26-09-2014

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POLICE CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL TOUR GUIDES > PAGE 5

HOW THE BEACHES WERE STOLEN

INVESTIGATORS REVEAL DETAILS OF HOW LOCAL POLITICIANS SOLD PHUKET’S PUBLIC BEACHES

NEWS

PAGE 3

High-profile names revealed in land case

LIFE

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Many tourists love them, some hate them. But profiting from renting out sunbeds and umbrellas on the beaches has always been illegal.

T

he investigators of the illegal beach sunbed industry on Phuket yesterday (September 25) revealed details of the cases they have built against Mayor Thawee Thongchaem of Karon, who surrendered to police on June 4 in answer to corruption charges.

The press conference was headed

by Pol Lt Gen Panya Mamen, Commissioner of Region 8, and his deputy,

Pol Maj Gen Somchai Aomthanom.

Pol Maj Gen Paween Pongsirin, Commander of the Region 8 General Staff Division, who has led the investigation into Mr Thawee’s alleged activities, told The Phuket News on Wednesday (September 24), “Tomorrow about 15 sunbed operators will be summoned to the police station to be charged with trespassing on public land.

“We have collected evidence about the money involved in the renting out of beach space on Karon and Kata beaches. We have the documents.

“For example, one five-year contract for a 99-metre stretch of the beach cost B6.25 million. Another, for 80 metres of beach for three years cost B4.5 million. A third one, for a year, cost B1.69 million.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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All of these contracts, he said, related to the charges that well-known hotels in the area had to pay to have rows of sunbeds on the beach.

The way it worked was this: The Karon Municipality would allocate a sunbed operator space in front of the resort. He would then go to the hotel and offer to reserve the sunbeds exclusively for the resort’s guests – for a fee.

SPORT

PAGE 32

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Jet-ski operators back on the beach in numbers > page 7

Russian out-in visa runs ‘same as other places’ – Immigration boss P ol Lt Gen Sakda Cheupakdee, Acting Commissioner of Thai Immigration, has confirmed that – theoretically – Russians can enter Thailand as often as they like.

He was responding to questions from The Phuket News after the Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that Thailand and Russia have a specific agreement stating that Russian citizens may enter Thailand visa-free as often as they wish, each time for 30 days.

This would seem to allow Russians to do back-to-back “out-in” visa runs, leaving the country and then coming back in immediately for another 30 days.

However, Gen Sakda told The Phuket News, “Russians can come

into Thailand without [getting a visa beforehand] an unlimited [number of times].”

But, he added, “They need to show proof that they are entering for tourism purposes. They are allowed to stay only 30 days [at a time].

“We have found that [many] do not come for tourism purposes.

Lots of them are working illegally and are doing out-in visa runs in order to continue working.”

He explained that if they cannot prove that they are reentering the country for tourism (for example by showing hotel bookings, a ticket out of the country or sufficient funds to support themselves while in Thailand), “They won’t be allowed in.”

So despite the unique agree-

ment between the two countries, Russians will face the same tests when they do an out-in run as do citizens of other “visa on arrival” countries.

Pol Lt Col Somchai Jitsa’ngop, Deputy Commander of Deputy Immigration at Ranong, which until recently saw dozens of foreigners from Phuket doing out-ins every day, confirmed that the Russian announcement changes nothing.

“The normal conditions for tourists who want to travel in Thailand apply. Russia is not a special case. If Russian tourists want to travel in Thailand, they have to ask.

“Tourists can come to Thailand but they have to inform us about their accommodation plans.”

Russian passports grant no special privileges, says Gen Sakda.

The intricacies of Phuket’s big beach sell-off Continued from page 1 The Phuket News was shown cheques for B3 million and B2.9 million made out to one sunbed operator, Visut Chankham, in 2010.

Police erased the names of the resorts from the copies of the cheques and other documents.

We were also shown a “permit” signed by Mayor Thawee Thongcham of Karon Municipality, permitting Prayad Pakiem to set up sunbeds “on public beach in the Karon Municipality area”.

Another, also signed by Mayor Thawee, permitted Chanrit Thaweesaman to do the same at a Karon beach, and also to sell fruit and drinks on the beach. Police also produced an official license card signed by Thawee.

Gen Paween then also showed us

an invoice from Charnrit to a large, well known resort, for the sum of B874,000 for one year’s sunbed service, and a cheque from the resort to Charnrit for the same amount.

More officials may be involved.

Prayad’s permit mentions approval being given by “Phuket”.

The police also seized from Karon Municipality a map of Kata Beach clearly showing how the entire beach had been divided up, and naming the operators for each of the 31 slices, which run from the top of the beach to about halfway to the high tide line.

The map notes that the total length of the beach is 1,497.2 metres and the space for sunbeds takes up 1,087 metres of that length.

Similar maps for other beaches in the Karon Municipality area show

12 slices at Kata Noi, 25 at Karon 1 Beach, and 24 at Karon 2 Beach.

All the maps are signed by Monthira Sapanin, a “Community Development Officer”.

That’s a total of 92 sunbed operators on the four beaches, many of them in front of resorts.

Pol Maj Gen Paween said, “We will be issuing summonses to about 100 businessmen soon.”

Mayor Thawee and two of his deputies, along with two Karon Municipality officials have denied any wrongdoing.

At the press conference a six-yearold case was offered as a warning to sunbed operators who have been clamouring to get back on the beach, even appealing to HM the King.

The case involved Yutthana

Tamchu, a member of the Sunbed Operators’ Club in the Patong area.

He was taken to court in September 2008 for trespassing on Tritrang Beach two years earlier, by setting out chairs, tables, sunbeds and umbrellas for rent.

In court, Yutthana was sentenced to six months in jail and fined B4,000.

Because he had pleaded guilty, the sentence was halved to three months and B2,000, and the jail term was suspended for a year.

Meanwhile, in a parallel case in the Administrative Court, the Kathu District Officer, the Mayor of Patong and Patong Municipality were accused of giving permission to Yutthana to occupy public beach for profit, but that court dismissed their cases.

During his trial Yutthana admit-

ted his guilt but complained that he had been singled out unfairly because other sunbed operators at Tritrang had not been arrested. The judge responded that this was irrelevant.

Yutthana’s sunbeds, umbrellas, and other furniture were seized when he was arrested. He asked the court for their return. The judge said no.

The overall focus of yesterday’s press conference was on Mayor Thawee. Similar revelations about the situation in Patong may be expected soon.

However, at the press conference it was revealed that police have charged ex-mayor Pian Keesin with breaking the Building Control Act. They have also launched a defamation case on his son Preechawut, following posts he made in Facebook.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

PHUKET NEWS

3

Ex-governor named among those who aided land theft S

irinart Park Chief, Kitipat Tharapiban, has filed cases with the police against “owners” and officials, including a former governor and senator, and a former park chief, who allegedly had a hand in the granting of illegal chanote papers on 88 rai of land inside the park, and against an encroacher who attempted to get chanotes on two other plots in the park, totalling 176 rai.

Mr Kitipat revealed that on September 18, officers filed complaints with Thalang police, seeking legal action against government officials, former government officials and the registered owners of two plots, one of 80 rai and the other of eight rai.

Both plots are believed to be in the park, with “flying” SorKor1 papers being used to upgrade the title to chanote in 2009.

Thirteen people are involved in these two cases, Mr Kitipat said.

The following are the 13 people allegedly involved: Wichai Praisangob, former Phuket Governor and appointed senator, Jaruay Injan, former Sirinart

Park chief Kitipat Tharapiban (right) explains the case against a would-be encroacher to a Tah Chat Chai police office. Some big names are finally being revealed. Inset, one of the pieces of land involved.

National Park Chief, Sanya Siripongrungroj, Chief Administrative officer (Palad) of Thalang District Office, Paitoon Lerskrai, Phuket Pro-

vincial Land officer, Somboon Santiamorntad, Thalang land officer, Anek Pracha, Chomchanok Suthamma,

Surachai Lhaosaichuea, Suam Bamrungsin, Pichai Kulabut, Ovat Prompichai, Kritsada Wongprasit, and

Jaroen Plodchookaew.

On Friday, Mr Kitipat himself filed another report with Tah Chat Chai police against a would-be encroacher who attempted to steal two chunks of the park, again using “flying” SorKor 1 papers.

After carrying out an investigation, Park officials noted that most of the land was still virgin forest, whihc meant it had never been farmed, and indicating intention to occupy the land illegally.

The two parcels of land, one of 80 rai and the other of 96 rai would be worth around B3 billion if they were sold, he said.

He said legal action will be taken against anyone believed to have encroached on the park, even if the land has since been sold on to someone else.

Mr Kitipat said he is also taking legal action, both criminal and civil, for defamation, against people who made written complaints to police that Sirinat Marine National Park staff and other government officials had neglected their duty.

Darawan Naknakorn

Two men die in separate alcohol-fueled incidents TWO MEN DIED EARLY on Monday (September 22) in alcohol-related incidents, one with his throat slashed and the other drowned.

Just after midnight Wichit Police were called to a camp for Burmese workers where a 17-year-old named Mong (for legal reasons, not his real name) died in a frenzied attack perpetrated by his friend Mear (also 17, also pseudonymous).

Officers viewed the corpse of Mr Mong, who had been stabbed in the chest and in the left side of his face and had his throat cut almost to the spine.

Near the body, police found a broken alcohol bottle that Mear had used to stab Mr Mong.

Mear was waiting for them and willingly surrendered to police. He told them, “We were best friends but we were both were drunk and I lost control after we got into an argument.

“I hit him and smashed the bottle before leaving the scene.

I told him not to come after me but he refused to end the fight. He came up behind me and hit me so I stabbed him three times.”

Police charged Mear with

domestic violence under the influence of alcohol.

The body of the victim was sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for relatives to pick up.

At 6am the body of a local bartender washed onto Patong Beach.

The victim, 19-year-old Sookson Jaiyen of Rassada, was estimated to have died no more than two hours before.

A friend told officers that he and Mr Sookson were drinking on the beach after finishing work at 2am. They went swimming and Mr Sookson was swept away by a big wave.

Some of the Italian-made sniper rifles found aboard the boat by Malaysian police.

Phuket-based yachtie arrested in Malaysia for gun possession M A LAYSI A M A R I N E Police have arrested a Phuketbased South African and his Phuket girlfriend after searching his yacht and seizing seven military rifles and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition on the Malaysian island of Langkawi, just south of Satun.

On Sunday (September @thephuketnews

21) Dato Ahmad bin Ibrahim, chief of the Kedah Marine Police, revealed that his men had boarded the yacht the previous day while it was anchored at Kuah Jetty Langkawi pier.

Searching it, they found seven Benalli Argo sniper rifles and 1,305 bullets hidden inside the yacht.

They arrested Julius Katzke, 47, who admitted he was the owner of the yacht and of the weapons.

They also arrested his girlfriend, Jantana Jaloa, 33, from Pa Khlok.

The rest of the crew on the yacht are being questioned.

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Live music in the evening. Draft beverages, a variety of coffees and healthy juices available.

Tel 076-324 500 for reservations.

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T

he Royal Thai Navy this week stepped into a nasty land dispute in Chalong between four landowners and local villagers, which erupted on June 1 into gunfire and arson.

So far police have been reluctant to identify those who took part in the attack, but on Monday (September 22) the Navy called a meeting with people living in the Palai area to try to clear up confusion over rights to the 83-rai site.

The 25 or so villagers at the meeting told the officials that they bought plots of land 10 years ago.

Samreu Mookkawat, 41, a village leader, who brought documentation with him, told the meeting, “This used to be five pieces of land. Now they are all included in one land document. We believe it might be a fake land title, and that we have the right to remain here.”

A villager who gave her name as Dao said, “I have lived here since 2006 and I paid about B30,000 for the land. It was forest with no title deed. I believe I have the right to stay.”

But Thongchai Suwanpahu of the Land Department had bad news for them. He ex-

Villagers’ leader Samreu Mookkawat (left) discusses the land papers with Royal Thai Navy Cmdr Pornprom Sakultem. plained that the original five pieces of land have genuine paper trails going back decades.

The oldest, deed No 73, was registered in 1913.

The other four pieces had been legally combined with No 73 to make one deed covering the full 83 rai.

The land was previously owned by a woman called Wasana Koisomboon, but after she had amalgamated the five deeds into one, she transferred ownership in October 2008, to a group of four investors, Prajit Hongyok, Samran Saengyanuprab, Prateuang Kreuathong and Supalak Kunarak.

Navy Cmdr Pornprom Sakultem, who is in charge of enforcing NCPO policy

in Phuket, told the villagers, “One of my responsibilities is to get trespassers off land where they don’t belong. The land on which you are staying is not yours.

“On top of that you started a dispute with [the owners].

The title deeds are legitimate, so you cannot stay there. If you did not know that before, that’s alright – the court has agreed to minimise your punishment if you move out.

“If you do agree to move out, please sign the agreement paper at this meeting.” Most of the villagers were convinced by the Land Department evidence.

One said, “Yes, we are staying on someone else’s land.

We have to move out because

we have no paper to confirm our rights. We just paid money to someone because the land was so cheap.

“And now we cannot get our money back. We are poor people.” One woman said she had paid money to someone called Nai Daeng (Mr Red) for the land she had occupied.

Cmdr Pornprom asked, “What’s his full name?” She said she did not know. “So where is he?” He was dead, she said.

“So where is his family?” She said she knew nothing about Daeng’s family.

Gradually the villagers at the meeting caved in. Nineteen people signed the agreements to move out. Cmdr Pornpom asked Detnarong Songseang,

the lawyer for the owners, “Can you find the way to help these people? Can you go back and talk with the owners of the land about this?” Detnarong agreed to do so.

But resentment remains. A villager said, “Someone has already been to try to demolish our homes.” Mr Detnarong replied, “That was me, because some people had already agreed to move out and had accepted that we could demolish their homes. That was all we were going to do.

The villagers asked, “How about all the men with weapons who came to threaten us?

“People wearing masks and armed with knives and bottle bombs threatened me,” the lawyer responded, Cmdr Pornpom asked, “Who has been using weapons to intimidate you?” Some of the villagers pointed to the lawyer.

The commander then instructed Chalong Police superintendent Pol Col Krittapas Dechintarasorn and Navy officers to track down suspects on both sides, in line with the law.

Five people were arrested three weeks after the June 1 attack and guns were confiscated, though police have refused to reveal their names, which suggests they may be “influential”.

Mystery over death Man caught robbing pharmacies of retired policeman MYSTERY SURROUNDS the death of a former policeman found dead in his dwelling in Rassada on Sunday night (September 21).

Police came to investigate after neighbours reported a rotten smell emanating from the house.

Inside, officers found the body of former Phuket Court policeman Lt Anan Thongkam, 65, lying on the bed. It could be seen that he had bled copiously from his nose and mouth. His face was purple. He had been

dead for at least two days.

Police could find no sign of foul play, but relatives said that a gold bracelet Lt Anan always wore was missing.

One relative said, “I called him on September 19 and there was no answer.

But he was always healthy so his death seems very suspicious. We believe he was poisoned and whoever did it stole the bracelet.”

Lt Anan was known among his neighbours as the man to go to for a loan.

Police are investigating.

A MAN WAS ARRESTED on September 17 for robbing two local pharmacies on September 16.

Theerawat Titathon, 20, went into Na Na Pharmacy in Rassada and pretended to buy cough medicine, but he quickly threatened the sales person with a knife before stealing several bottles of cough medicine, a mobile phone, a wallet with B3,000 cash, and running out the store.

Police then received a report from the Samkong Pharmacy, in Thalad Yai, who said they too had been robbed by a man of the same description.

Going by the shop owners’ descriptions, police checked

Aligenet maior aut ut estiorerro et ut adiciisi volorpos nume volore their records of past offenders and fairly quickly identified a suspect.

Police locked on to the GPS of the stolen phone and were able to track the robber’s location to Tesco Lotus on Bypass Rd. After his arrest, Theerawat admitted carrying out both robberies and said he had already used the stolen cough medicine to make 4x100 – a narcotic cocktail of cough mixture, kratom leaves, cola and ice.

He said that he had gone to Tesco Lotus to try to sell the stolen phone.

He was charged with robbery and carrying a knife in a public place. Police retrieved all the stolen items and also seized his motorbike. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Police crack down on illegal tour guides Saran Mitrarat reporter4@classactmedia.co.th

eople found to be breaking the laws on working as tour guides, timeshare sales people and tour package sales people were rounded up in a concerted drive on Tuesday (September 23), questioned at the nearest police station and then released.

It seems as though the suspects were tipped off and disappeared just in time for the police to carry out their inspections.

Police split into five teams to carry out their inspections in the following areas; Soi Paradise, Khok Ma Kham intersection (Start of Rat-uthit 200 Pee road), BanZaan Market, Patong Hill Hotel to Marine Market, and Rat-uthit-200-Pee Road to Soi Ton. “Police went undercover before the official inspections took place, to ensure that we could arrest anyone in action,” Kathu Police Investigation deputy superintendent, Khunnadet Nanongkhai, told The Phuket News.

As a result, three separate shop representatives were asked to go to the police station, one of them located in Soi Paradise, appeared to have the wrong address in the license, and the remaining two located on Rat-u-thit 200 Pee, had foreigners working on the front desk. Some shops

P

A voucher signed by a Burmese employee, pictured above. were closed, but it may have been a Thai public holiday or they were notified in advance.

“We did not find anyone working illegally, all of the businesses had the correct license, passport and work permit for each of their staff,” he confirmed.

There was one exception.

In one shop officials saw a Burmese employee writing up a voucher for a tour package and signing it. They asked for his passport.

Foreigners may not deal with customers in tour agencies, and the Burmese they found, was not registered and so was in Thailand illegally.

However, following the lenient line set by the NCPO for treatment of foreigners from neighbouring countries, the man was let off with a warning. The shop owner too received a warning and was told to make sure the worker was registered.

From the statistics set out by the Phuket Tourism and Sport Office, there are total of

1,667 registered tour operators, which will undergo inspection as of Tuesday (September 23).

Thalang District has 159 businesses; Cherng Talay 56, Paklok 23, Thepkrasattri 16, Srisoontorn 33, Sakoo 19 and Maikhao 12.

Kathu District has 449 businesses; Patong 348, Kathu 73 and Kamala 28.

Muang District 1059 businesses; Phuket city 3, Vichit 275, Rassada 121, Koh Kaew 48, Talad Nuear 49, Talad Yai 85, Rawai 139, Chalong 163 and Karon 176.

“Any Thais found working as a tour guide illegally, may be granted bail but will have to register straight away. But, for any foreigners found working illegally, police will not allow bail and they will be taken to court,” said Mr Santi Pawai, Phuket Tourism and Sport Office director, at a meeting prior to the inspections.

“However if a foreigner is found guilty, they will be deported and put on the immigration blacklist,” he added.

Foreigners are only allowed to work as a ‘Tour leader’, “They are allowed to go along with the customer – but they are not allowed to provide any information, that’s the job of a tour guide,” he noted.

“If tour leaders are found to be working as tour guides, they will be caught as it is not hard to find evidence. There will be a shopping receipt (to get commission), a voucher order and a list of each customer ,” he explained.

“If they are found guilty and we later find them working illegally again, we will revoke the tour operator license from the company,” he added.

Registered Thai guides must go to the Phuket Tourism and Sport Office in Surakul Stadium to identify themselves between September 22 and October 6, from 8am-5pm on weekdays.

“If police find out during inspection they have yet to identify themselves, they will also be arrested”, Mr Santi said.

PHUKET NEWS

Georgian arrested for illegal tour sales PHUKET TOURISM AND Sports officials, accompanied

by Tourist Police officers, arrested a Georgian national in Kata last Friday (September 19) for selling tour packages without a work permit or a tourism license.

“The arrest came after a complaint through Facebook and a letter saying there was a foreigner selling tour packages in the Kata area, and also driving people to Wang Talang Jewellery [on Chao Fah West Rd],” said Santi Pawai, the director of the Phuket Tourism and Sports Office.

The Facebook post was made by a Phuket green-plate taxi driver, Somchai Pruangkangnarn. It also contained a map showing the location of the tour shop.

“We inspected the PhuketPhuket RU shop on Kata Rd, and caught him red-handed, selling a tour package to customer. So we immediately identified ourselves and asked his for tourism registration card and his work permit,” Mr Santi said.

The Georgian, Tengiz Andguladze, 29, could not provide either document.

“He claimed an application

@thephuketnews

Tengiz Andguladze after his arrest in Kata. had been made to register a company called Sunrise of Siam, and was waiting for approval,” Mr Santi added.

Andguladze was charged with opening a tour business without a permit and working without a work permit.

“He denied the charges,” Mr Santi said.

SA

LE

New one way system for Patong?

A NEW ONE-WAY SYSTEM in Patong was being considered by police and Patong Municipality on September 18.

If the plan is approved, traffic on Thaweewong Rd, which is currently northbound only, will be switched to south-bound only.

Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd will do the opposite; it is currently south-bound only but would be reversed to be north-bound only.

All the connecting roads between these two roads will be two-way. Phang Muang Sai Gor Rd will remain unchanged, but three roads between it and Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd will be two-way. They are Soi Sai Nam Yen, Soi Sansabai and Soi Water Treatment.

5

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

New minister ‘pleased’ with island’s recycling T he Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Gen Dapong Ratanasuwan paid a visit Phuket’s incinerator on Sunday (September 20) and pronounced himself “very pleased” with the facility.

Accompanied by the President of the Phuket Provincial Administration, Paiboon Upatising, Gov Maitri Inthusut and Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupappana, the general received a briefing on how Phuiket’s garbage disposal system works.

He heard that local sub-districts and municipalities are responsible for collecting trash and bringing it to the incinerator where the waste is sorted before being allocated for recycling, incineration, landfill, or for treatment as infectious or biohazardous waste.

He saw the information centre with displays on how organic waste can be turned into organic fertilisers, using worm farms or by turning it into fuel.

He was also told that the Royal Forestry Department had allocated 261 rai of its land to create a landfill for biohazard waste intended for the incinerator.

Officials explained that the incinerators can handle up to 700 tons of trash a day and is currently receiving 680 tons a day, raising concerns that it will soon hit capacity.

However, they said that reducing and sorting trash in each household would help

Incinerated air conditioners smoulder in the road outside the shop after being dumped from the third floor.

Joss blamed for aircon shop fire The minister (left) talks with OrBorJor president Paiboon Upatising (2nd from left), Pating Mayor Chalermluck Kebsap, Governor Maitri Inthusut and Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwannapaporn (4th, 5th and 6th from left). avert future disaster because about 300 ton a day of household waste is organic, which is transformable.

“We are very pleased with Phuket and the local authorities for taking this environment issue seriously, both in terms of the incinerators’ performance and in terms of Phuket’s intention to convert most organic waste into useful materials,” Gen Dapong said. “disposing of trash will become much more easy to manage now.”

He added that he would revisit the site in six months.

Gen Dapong also approved budgets totalling B15.9 million for three small water conservation projects in Phuket.

Of this, B7.6 million was approved for OrBorTor Srisoonthon to deepen a reservoir in Baan Lipon. The reservoir is too shallow to hold much water and in dry season, water for homes in the area often runs out.

Another B4 million was approved for work on Klong Bang Yai in Talad Yai to expand the klong and make water moving more quickly in order to avoid floods in the rainy season smelly stagnant water in the dry season.

Gen Dapong also approved B4.3 million for Phuket Panyanukul School in Pa Khlok to built a reservoir and install water treatment equipment to provide students with drinking water.

A FIRE BROKE OUT ON the third floor of an air-conditioner shop in Rassada on Tuesday morning (September 23). One person was injured and the fire caused damage estimated at more than B70,000.

Foremen, police and rescue volunteers were called at 9:10 am to the shop in Mubaan Riverside on the Sapum-Samkong Rd after fire broke out on the third floor of the three-storey Panya Air and Service building.

Firemen took 15 minutes to put out the flames with foam, while the rescue workers gave first aid to Teerak Panpu, 27, whose right hand was burned when he went upstairs to try

to put out the fire. He was sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further treatment.

Wanwisa Cheinchom, 32, the shop owner’s wife, said that the fire broke out in the Buddha room where she had just lit incense and joss sticks.

She theorised that Wannisa wind coming through the window might have blown the joss stick over onto a pile of paper nearby. The flames then spread to a storage room where equipment, muc of iy plastic, was stored.

“The fire destroyed more than 11 second-hand air conditioners worth about B70,000 and the third floor will require remodelling,” a fireman said.

So that’s what B30 million in cash looks like: Associates of Jang Jeang deliver the money.

Chinese businessman donates B34m to Phuket forest temple A MAINLAND CHINESE businessman in the software industry has donated B34 million to Wat Jareonsamanakit, a forest temple in Talad Yai. Jang Jeang, who also goes by the Thai name of Supachai Rujathon, has been a frequent visitor to the wat, and was accompanied by 15 friends who have also supported the wat with donations.

In August Jang Jeang was

ordained as a monk at the wat with the name Phra Sookto.

At a ceremony to hand over the money, the friends all wore white with T-shirts inscribed “Jang Jeang: Richest in the Future.”

The donation came in the form of B30 million in cash and six rai of land valued at B4 million. The B30 million is to be put towards the construction of a chedi at the wat.

The abbot of Wat Jareonsamanakit, Phra Ajarn Jamras Jantachoto, said that Mr Jang and his group “have very strong faith” and have been donating constantly to the wat. Because of them, more believers have been coming to the wat from China and Malaysia, he added.

The donation ceremony was attended by Governor Maitri Inthusut. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Jet ski operators get back on the beaches Saran Mitrarat reporter4@classactmedia.co.th

P

atong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsap has denied that her administration is allowing any businesses back on the beach, after questions have been raised about jet-ski activities following the massive beach clean-up.

But, she explained, activities such as jet-skis and parasailing fall across the lines of responsibility of the Municipality (on the beach) and the Marine department (on the water).

In any case, she told The Phuket News on Tuesday morning (September 23), “In the order [from the NCPO] for the beach reorganisation project, jet-ski operators had no problem since the beginning [because they were not mentioned in the orders].

“The reorganisation to return the beach to the public involved only beach loungers and umbrellas, [masseuses and food and drink merchants] not

water activities,” she explained.

“All of the beach umbrellas have been moved out and there are no more booths on the beach. But as for the jet-skis, we have never allowed them to install sales booths on the beach,” she added.

Her comments came in response to an email to The Phuket News from a reader, who asked not to be named.

In his email he wrote, “For a short period they were banned but now they are back on the beach and operating in the same illegal manner. How is that possible?

“They park them right on the beach – lining up five to 15 units on their trailers and hawking rides to everybody who [goes by].

“They always park right in front of the swimming zone (because that’s where there is the largest number of potential customers), and this leads to customers starting right off into the swimming area.”

He added, “In Kata this morning there were about eight at the north end, and at Karon,

Jet skis on trailers can once again be seen on the sand. too, there are many. A friend told me Surin beach has up to 30 of them.”

“The new practice now is to occupy all the space in the shade under the trees so beachgoers can no longer enjoy the shade because it is occupied by parked jet-skis.”

Jet-ski operators, he noted,

Gov promises to help Phuket in his new job OUTGOING GOVERNOR Maitri Inthusut has promised in his final interview with The Phuket News that he will do whatever he can to help support Phuket in his new role as Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.

Smiling, he told T he Phuket News on Wednesday afternoon (September 24), “I don’t have enough time to pack my belongings because the order to move came very suddenly.

He added that nothing hidden should be read into his transfer, two years earlier than is normal. “Two years is quite a short time to be the Governor of Phuket. But do not think too much about it.

I’m not surprised; a government official’s job is like this, moving in and moving out is normal. Everything happens here very fast,” he explained.

“Am I concerned about Phuket? Yes I am. Phuket still has a lot of problems to be resolved, for example, beach encroachment and taxi. Luckily for Phuket, the higher meter fares have been approved,” he said. @thephuketnews

Gov Maitri Inthusut – though only for another four days But his biggest concern, he said, is the environment.

“We still have a lot of garbage even though we have three incinerators. I would like to urge everybody to help officials to decrease garbage, and waste water, too.”

One achievement he is proud of, he said, is in agriculture on the island. “Next year Phuket will get its largest-ever budget for farming.

“I’ve been aiming to improve agriculture so that it grows into an agrotourism attraction,” he explained.

Gov Maitri had been governor of Trang and Phayao before he came to Phuket, and said that this last posting was the most challenging.

“In Phuket, there are a lot of foreigners mixing with Thai people from every part of Thailand, and Phuket has a more civilised way of like that, paradoxically, may be the cause of a lot of problems,” he explained.

“But Phuket has two major strengths, its media and its private sector who work together and who are already strong without official support. We just give them a helping hand and everything can happen very fast,” he added.

“The last thing I would like to say for the readers of The Phuket News – and for everyone else – is, please have a conscious mind. Do whatever you want, but please also keep the public good in mind.

Gov Maitri will start his new job in Bangkok next Wednesday (October 1).

also refuel their machines on the beach and in the water.

Mayor Chalermluck said, “Since I have been mayor, we have never allowed any businesses to operate on the beach.”

But, she admitted, “Business operators might move in when we are not checking or not paying full attention.

“Thank you for letting me know. I will assign a civil enforcement team to inspect there more frequently. But any action in the water is not my responsibility,” she added.

Sakorn Pukham from the Phuket Marine Office said that there is a line of buoys to separate the jet ski and parasailing zone from the swimming zone. “These two activities are nowhere near each other.”

He said that the Marine Office had set an area for swimming and Patong Municipality had installed buoys to mark it.

“But sometimes Patong Beach has strong winds that may alter the lines of the buoys and cause confusion among beachgoers.

“If anyone has complaints about fuel leaking from a jet-ski onto the sea, we would encourage them to take pictures and sent them to Marine Office.”

Complaints and photographs may be sent by post to Phuket Marine Office, 88/5 Saksidet Rd, Wichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, or by email to phuket@md.go.th

7

Niatsaree Arwear in custody

Man on bus found in possession of heroin A MAN WAS ARRESTED in possession of 3.35 grams of heroin on a bus from Phang Nga to Phuket after police caught him during a routine check search at the T ahchatchai on September 17.

At 5:30am Thachatchai police stopped the Sungai Kolok bus and searched a man who they suspected was on drugs.

Police found heroin hidden in both his trouser pocket and wallet. Thachatchai police arrested the Naratiwat native, Niatsaree Arwear, 21, and seized the heroin, along with five alprazolam (Xanax) antianxirty pills in a Ziplock bag.

Police charged Niatsaree with possession of a Category 1 drug (the heroin) and of a Category 2 drug (the alprazolam).

8

PHUKET NEWS FOCUS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

ThaiBev rushes to change the Veg Fest ‘beer’ flags Saran Mitrarat reporter4@classactmedia.co.th

iServe clean up Naithon Beach

T

haiBev has jumped to correct sponsorship flags for the Vegetarian Festival after the Public Health Department filed a complaint with Phuket Town police that the company was illegally advertising beer.

The complaint came after yellow f lags were erected around the city with the Chang logo and the word “Chang” on a green background.

ThaiBev has generally used the green background to market beer and a blue background to market its drinking water.

Today the green-logo flags were taken down and replaced with flags bearing the logo on a blue background.

In addition, the company erected large roadside signs saying, “Chang drinking water supports Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival” ThaiBev’s Phuket Manager told The Phuket News on September 18. “In fact,

we originally registered the trademark using a green logo. “[By putting the green logo on flags] we did not intend to promote or support alcohol use during the festival; we know very well that this is not allowed.

“We had good intentions to support the great cultural vegetarian festival – we did not intend to damage its image,” she explained.

The rush to fix the flags came after Dr Krit Sakulpad of the PHD lodged a complaint with Phuket Town police that

ThaiBev was using the Vegetarian Festival to promote its beer, which would be a breach of the 2009 Alcohol Control Act. “To make sure everyone is satisfied, we are happy to change all the flag logos to blue ones,” she noted. “All flags have now been changed by sticking a blue logo [over the green one].”

A lawyer has been retained to answer the allegation by the PHD, and the firm will hold a media conference soon in an effort to minimise the damage.

Meanwhile, Teeravut Sritularak, President of the Jui Tui shrine – which received sponsorship from ThaiBev – confirmed that ThaiBev had signed a contract with the shrine based on advertising its drinking water.

“They supported us this year as in previous years, using the blue logo for Chang drinking water,” he told The Phuket News.

“The flags along the roads are made and installed by the sponsors themselves. ThaiBev used a blue logo last year,

so possibly there was some mistake along the way this year,” he explained.

“All flags are now changed already. I want to thank ThaiBev for kindly supporting us and decorating the streets of Phuket to promote the Vegetarian Festival for us,” he added.

Although it was originally suggested that the Jui Tui shrine would also face legal action, Mr Teeravut said “The case will involve only ThaiBev and the PHD. Jui Tui will not be involved.”

OV E R 2 0 0 I S E RV E voluteers helped to clean up Naithon Beach on Saturday (September 20).

The Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (OrBorJor) provided the volunteers with trucks and equipment to cut down trees.

Rachakit Kornkumpanat, president of iServe group, told The Phuket News on Saturday, “It’s a good activity for teenagers to take part in. Our main principle is to preserve the environment and demonstrate good social values to them [the teenagers].”

All teenagers can follow up on the event on www. facebook.com/iserve.phuket.5

Thai Navy rescues sick Singaporean crewman off ship in Phuket shores THE ROYAL THAI NAVY sent out a boat on Sunday (September 21) after a call for assistance from the Singapore Navy landing platform dock ship RSS Endeavour, one of whose crew had suffered a stroke.

The call went out as the vessel was returning from Myanmar to Singapore and Midshipman Chong Jia Jun suffered a partial stroke requiring emergency medical treatment. The Thai Navy brought the sick man to Dan

Singapore Navy cadet, Dan Sulakakorn, is rescued.

Sulakakorn pier in Phang Nga, from where he was tak-

en by ambulance to Phuket International Hospital.

Phuket prepared for Vegetarian Festival SA NSI R I A N D SI A M commercial Bank (SCB) went along to the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket on September 18 to show their support.

Officials welcomed everyone at the Jui Tui shrine in Phuket City, with over 3,000 flags on show along

major roads.

Members of the public gathered at Jui Tui shrine to help clean the floor, kitchen equipment, ritual objects, as well as cleaning and decorating the shrine area.

Sansiri CEO Apichart Chutrakul said, “We would like to show our support

by offering money to three shrines in Phuket, Jui Tui, Bang Neow and Lim Hu Tai Su (Samkong).”

“Our main priority is to help others and give what we can. We would like to keep this festival running in Phuket forever,” he added. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

9

Phuket beach operators appeal to HM the King Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

I

n a bid to get back on Phuket’s beaches after being expelled by the Army-backed beach cleanup, the small operators have banded together in an appeal to HM King Bhumibol.

In a letter sent in June to the Bureau of the Royal Household, but only revealed on Facebook on September 23, the operators wrote: “May it please Your Majesty, the Patong sunbed operators, the Kamala sunbed operators, the Patong car rental companies, the Patong itinerant food and drink sellers and the Patong massage club humbly plead for Your Majesty’s help.

“As a result of the policy of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to regulate Patong and Kamala beaches, we no longer have jobs.

“We have no money to support our families or provide medical care for them. We have worked in these jobs for about 10 years. We do not have the knowledge to do

Flashback to 2011: Thousands of illegal sunbeds and umbrellas on Patong Beach. Photo: Dennis Wong any other job and we have no land that we can farm.

“The government allowed us to work like this for ten years. It is an honest job, taking care of tourists,

and we made much money for the nation. Now the number of tourists has decreased because there are no sunbeds, no food or drink deliveries and no massages.

Jirasak Sharklu’s body is brought out of his house by rescue volunteers.

Jobless Phuket beach bed operator commits suicide A SUNBED-AND-UMbrella operator killed himself on Monday (September 22), probably because of depression after being ejected from the beach, police said.

Wichit police were called after Jirasak Sharkhu, 45, was found hanging by a nylon rope in his home in Mubaan Villa Suan Luang in Wichit.

He had been dead for about two hours.

Police found no signs of foul play, assault or robbery.

After questioning neigh@thephuketnews

bours they learned that Jirasak had previously been a sunbed-and-umbrella operator but, since being expelled from the beach three months ago in the Army-backed beach clean-up, he had been out of work.

His girlfriend had left him two months ago, the neighbours said, and he had since spoken to no one.

At 6:10pm the same day, Kathu police were called after another man was found hanged from the stairs in a

two-storey house on Wichitsongkram Rd. They learned that the dead man, 30-year-old Walan Khanyein, had previously crashed his motorcycle. He was left with a crippled left leg and his passenger – his best friend – was killed in the crash.

Walan had been depressed since then, neighbours said, because of being partially handicapped and because he blamed himself for the death of his friend.

“Every year, we have paid income tax, and other taxes to the Municipality” The Bureau of the Royal Household wrote to Phuket Governor

Maitri Inthusut on August 15: “Jarithon Sipke of 92 Meun-ngan Rd, Patong and others have been allowed to work as sunbed operators, masseuses and car renters on Patong Beach and Kamala Beach for a long time,” the letter said.

The letter, signed by Injan Buraphat, Acting Deputy SecretaryGeneral of the Bureau went on, “But beach regulations have had the effect of preventing them from working in the area.

“Because they are now unemployed and also have debts, they wish to return to work in the same place to make a living.

“Please inform us of your opinion, which will be presented to His Majesty.”

Governor Maitri forwarded the letter to the Kathu District Officer on September 12, with a note attached: “Please consider this issue and report back within 15 days of receiving this letter.”

The Phuket News on Tuesday (September 23) contacted the Kathu District Officer, Sayan Chanachaiwong, who said that he was still waiting for the letter to arrive.

Opinion 10 OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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Celebrate, but celebrate safely

A

s the Vegetarian Festival gets under way, sooner or later we will be reminded of a less celebratory aspect of this remarkable, riotous and world-famous event.

Yearly, the local authorities give off mixed signals over the use of fire-crackers and other pyrotechnics during this period.

But warnings of the danger they can pose are routinely shrugged off, the result being a wholly unnecessary number of hospitalisations during one of the most life-affirming periods in our Sino-Thai cultural calendar.

The fact is that firecrackers and larger pyrotechnics are potentially hazardous and indeed can be fatal, especially for those suffering from cardiac conditions and similar maladies.

Every September/October we hear of victims of the reckless use of fireworks, often heart-rending, such as a child who has lost an eye or a digit

STEVEN LAYNE

DALIA HILMI News Editor editor1@classactmedia.co.th Originally from Canada; BA in Sociology from the University of Birmingham in the UK and an MA in Online/Print Journalism from the University of the Arts in London. Three years experience for Britain’s third-biggest publisher, Immediate Media, as well as Bauer Media and InStyle magazine.

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due to the power of – let’s call them what they are – explosives, that are too often set off thoughtlessly.

Indeed, are they essential to the festival at all? There is the belief, some might call it a superstition, that these pyrotechnics ward off evil spirits from the Next World.

Moreover, firecrackers and fireworks in general are woven into the fabric of Chinese cultural and religious traditions and therefore are a key means for Phuket’s part-Chinese community to maintain its heritage (some 70 per cent of Phuket natives have Chinese ancestors, the highest proportion of any Thai province).

So, rather than the fiery and deafening free-for-all that is unfolding around us, how about starting a new tradition to dovetail in with the old ones?

Designed and well-monitored pyrotechnics zones would greatly reduce the yearly toll

of injuries, while still holding true to centuries-old beliefs and practices. Hong Kong has managed to do this very successfully, as has another largely Chinese neighbour of ours, Singapore.

Let’s also be mindful that firecrackers and fireworks generate not only dangerous heat, explosive power and noise, but also spread airborne toxins over a wide area.

We don’t have to do away with the “fire” element of this marvellous and justly venerated festival.

But more control, such as zoning, would be a step in the right direction, especially since we would be following sound practices, already in place and proven to be effective, in nearby Chinese communities.

“Drive safe” is a ubiquitous adage on the island, year round.

Let’s make “celebrate safe” a sustainable seasonal mindset for future Vegetarian Festivals.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

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Two tourists brutally murdered on Koh Tao New evidence found in tourists’ murder case Autopsy points to sex, struggle in Koh Tao murders Koh Tao ban Full Moon parties Koh Tao suspects ‘Asian men’ Phuket: Patong one-way system to change?

3 Burmese cleared in Koh Tao murder investigation Phuket: Russian outin visa runs ‘same as other nationalities’ – Immigration chief Phuket: Arrests expected today in Koh Tao murders OPINION: Deadly danger stalks even paradise isles

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Life Editor editor3@classactmedia.co.th From the USA; BA in Communication Arts from Bangkok University International College; six years’ experience at Nation Junior Magazine, Bangkok Recorder, Phuket.net, Farangs.com and Phuket Gazette.

EDITORIAL

Booze regulations on their way [Re. POLL: What do you think of the tough new stance on alcohol promotion?]

You have to be careful when trying to enforce this type of thing too much a it can have a reverse effect and make people want to try alcohol even more! Far better would be to treat people like adults and not like children being given orders by over-bearing parents. People from a young age should be taught all about alcohol and what it can do to your health and how it can make you act. If you just try to hide everything away about it and ban this, ban that, it will make the younger generation want to try the “forbidden fruit”as it were. We all know that when we were growing up if your parents said “never do this, never take that”with no reason give, then most of us would do it or take it as it all seemed so exciting! So, YES, ban the advertising like with tobacco, but don’t ban bars from happy hours or having empty bottles as decoration etc as that is wrong. People have

a right to run their business their own way and everyone who is in a bar is an adult anyway. chazwolf

Jobless beach bums or worthy working folk?

[Re. Phuket beach operators appeal to HM the King] Please make it stop. I am so tired of the whining fools that just can’t understand that things have changed. What’s next, are they all going to lay down and start kicking and screaming until they get their way? “Oh please … please let me pop open umbrellas and sell cokes to farang …

I’m too stupid to do anything else and too lazy to get a real job”. Pshaw!... this will take time, but things will be better without all the beach people Ed Sanders I remember many years ago my older brother said he went on a holiday around the world, and one of the best places, was on his return to Australia he stopped in Phuket and said by far it was the best place,

mainly because the people were so happy and he could sit on the beach and have fruit and other food bought to him without lifting a finger. Not anymore.

Paul An

Park land liberties

[Re. Phuket park officers file cases against encroachers, crooked officials] Why isn’t this a Federal issue.

Seems to me encroachment of a national park should be investigated and prosecuted by federal officials. People that have more clout than local police Scudman

The moon ain’t gonna shine anymore [Re.Koh Tao ban on Full Moon parties] Appears to be another knee jerk reaction; more overkill.

Why not take it to its ultimate solution, ban all parties – ban all tourists. I wonder how long a “ban” will actually be imposed, as so much baht is set to be lost.

Rorii

Quote: “The military government vowed to restore Thailand’s reputation as the “Land of Smiles”, embarking on a clean-up of resorts after a series of complaints about scams, assaults and even police extortion, particularly in Phuket.” 20 years too late !!

Cassiopaia

Think outside the box concerning employment [Re. Thalang, Laguna to serve as ‘model’ for solving Phuket jobless beach vendor issue ] Hear, hear! Khun Chamereon should be applauded! I applaud you, sir. Phuket needs more courageous officials such as yourself. Yes, the whole situation is a mess. Corruption.

Hopefully more Thais will recognize how damaging to their society it is.

Laughing Out Loud Many shipyards in Phuket need hundreds of staff such as painters and cleaners to repair the boats. Shipyards could be the solution.

Charlie

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THAILAND NEWS 11

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

army dispute Island killings prompt Police, casino raid details stiffer worker rules T he Labour Ministry will impose st r ict rules on hiring and registering migrant workers on popular tourist islands following the murders of two British holidaymakers on Surat Thani’s Koh Tao on Sept 15.

Labour Minister Surasak Karnjanarat said the hiring of foreign workers must meet labour demand and not affect national security.

He said he plans to visit several tourist islands next month to examine registration procedures for migrant workers since hiring them to work in tourist destinations was a matter of national security and a concern regarding the safety of tourists.

Gen Surasak made his comments at a briefing for officials at the Labour Ministry, saying the ministry’s main focus would be on tackling human trafficking and cracking down on extortionate fees collected from overseas workers by job brokers.

The minister also said ministry officials must steer

KHON KAEN POLICE AND military officers have given conflicting accounts of a raid on a gambling den last week, with soldiers claiming 37 gamblers and B310,000 in cash were handed over to police.

However, police claimed they knew nothing about the raid or the whereabouts of the gamblers and money.

The conf licting claims prompted Pol Lt Gen Detnarong Sutthichanbancha, acting chief of Provincial Police Region 4, to launch an investigation, which he vowed would be complete within three days.

Lt Col Phithakphon Susi, acting chief of the 23rd Military Koh Tao’s Mango Bay. Koh Tao and other islands are home to a number of migrant workers from neighbouring countries such as Myanmar and Cambodia. Photo: Franz Winter Circle’s civil affairs unit in Khon Kaen, led 50 soldiers on clear of graft and shady ac- into the economy, especially and development, he said. Au- a raid of a two-storey building tivities, adding that he knows the labour sector, to help boost thorities should invest in la- on Maliwan Road in tambon labour officials in several investor confidence. bour development to increase Nong Ruea in Muang district provinces were acting as job Setthaput Sutthiwatnareu- efficiency, Mr Setthaput said. on Thursday (September 18).

After finding a gambling brokers and demanding high put, of the Thailand Future Sirikanya Tansakul, a brokerage fees from workers Foundation, said Thailand is Thailand Future Foundation den there his team arrested the wanting to work abroad. struggling to overcome labour researcher, said workforce gamblers and seized cash and High brokerage fees were problems such as workforce inefficiency is affecting the 20 pawned vehicles.

Lt Col Phithakphon said he one of the reasons cited for inefficiency despite efforts by country’s competitiveness placing Thailand on Tier 3, several agencies. The authori- overseas. She attributed this to phoned Nong Ruea police chief the lowest ranking in the US ties must find a new tack to poor investment. Investment Pol Col Thanomsit Wongwichan Trafficking in Persons report. tackle labour problems. by the business sector, espe- who agreed to send Pol Lt Meanwhile, academics Promoting investment cially in modern machinery, Samrit Banthao to support the have urged the military gov- could be the driving force is badly needed, she said. operation. A team of police in full uniform turned up at the ernment to inject more money behind the country’s growth Bangkok Post

Police arrest duo in possession of B1.2m stash of ecstacy pills TWO SUSPECTS HAVE been charged with illegally possessing more than 1,000 ecstasy tablets worth over B1.2 million in the city’s downtown area, police said.

Thanawat Saksiripakdee, 31, was arrested in his room at a condominium in Soi Ramkhamhaeng 24 of Bang Kapi district, where police found 970 ecstasy tablets.

Ratchaporn Chayanaboworn, 28, was caught in front of a condominium on Rama IX Road with 300 ecstasy tablets in her possession, Thong Lor superintendent Pol Col Chootakul Yosmadee said Monday (September 22).

Pol Col Chootakul said police are on the lookout for a new strain of ecstasy in the city that come in different colours and are embossed with trademarks.

The two arrests came after a tip-off from an informant who told police that a delivery of ecstasy would take place in front of a condominium on Rama IX Road, where police found Ratchaporn and seized her drugs.

From there, police extended the investigation, which led to @thephuketnews

Illicit ecstacy pills pictured in a DEA photo. the arrest of Mr Thanawat in his room.

Pol Col Chootakul said Thanawat told police he had bought the ecstasy from a drug agent overseas to distribute to wealthy customers, Thai ex-students and foreigners in the country.

Thanawat said he had come to know the agent during a period when he studied in the United States.

He added the ecstasy sale was made directly to customers and he did not sell the illicit drugs in night clubs.

According to the Narcotics Control Board, there has been widespread use of this new line of ecstasy in several countries

in Europe. A single tablet of ecstasy costs the equivalent of about B100-120 on the street in countries such as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

In Thailand, the drugs are much more lucrative, where one tablet can sell for as much as B1,000.

The 1,270 tablets seized from the suspects are estimated to be worth about B1,270,000, police said.

The suspects’ deposit accounts had been frozen and their assets seized for further examination.

They are charged with illegal possession of drugs for sale, police said.

Meanwhile, Third Army commander Lt Gen Preecha Chan-o-cha, who also serves as director of the National Command Centre for Drugs Elimination, said the Third Army had found several poppy plantations for producing opium in various parts of the country, and the appropriate action will soon be taken.

The crackdown is taking a toll on the market. With each plantation successfully eradicated, the price of opium goes up. Bangkok Post

Illegal gambling is a game of chance. Photo: E. Lau den. Lt Col Phithakphon said he turned over the gamblers, the money and the seized assets to them. He and his men then left.

However, Pol Col Thanomsit gave a different account.

He claimed the police were not contacted by the soldiers, though some officers were patrolling an area near the crime scene after receiving a tip-off about a nearby gambling den.

“The police saw the soldiers there who said they were withdrawing and left,” Pol Col Thanomsit said. “There was no delivery [of gamblers or cash].”

Deputy national police chief Somyot Pumpanmuang played down the incident, saying “military and police officers work together like brothers”.

Bangkok Post

12 ASIA NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Morality crossroads F

First Iranian port-call for 2 Chinese destroyers TWO CHINESE DESTROYers have arrived at Iran’s Gulf port of Bandar Abbas, in an unprecedented visit attesting to a growing rapprochement between the two countries, Iranian media reported Sunday (September 21).

The four-day visit is the first time a Chinese naval vessel has called at a port in the Islamic republic, across the Gulf from Bahrain where the US Fifth Fleet is based.

The two navies will conduct joint search-and-rescue exercises and training for maritime accidents, according to Admiral Hossein Azad, a senior commander of the Iranian navy, quoted by Iranian media.

Iran’s navy has boosted its international presence over the past few years, in particular to help guard commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden against pirate attacks.

Ships from Iran’s navy have called at Chinese ports in the past.

Iran and China have greatly enhanced their trade and economic relations in recent years.

China has become Iran’s largest trading partner.

Trade between them is this year expected to exceed US$45 billion (B1.4 trillion), despite economic and banking sanctions against Iran because of its controversial nuclear programme.

China is among so-called P5+1 states (the United States, Russia, China, France, UK and Germany) negotiating with Tehran in the hope of ending more than a decade of disquiet over the nuclear issue.

or Vietnamese sex workers like Do Thi Oanh, being caught touting for business used to carry a long stint in forced “rehabilitation”, but as fines replace detention, many detect a shifting attitude towards the world’s oldest profession.

In 2008, Oanh was sent to one of Vietnam’s notorious rehabilitation camps on the outskirts of Hanoi, joining hundreds of prostitutes and drug addicts detained without conviction for taking part in a “social evil”.

The 32-year-old was held for 18 months in the centre where detainees worked for free raising poultry, gardening or making handicrafts.

Last year, Vietnam suddenly replaced compulsory rehab for sex workers with fines of between up to US$100 (2.1 million Vietnamese Dong) releasing hundreds of people from centres across the country.

Oanh, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, said the legal move points to a wider liberalising attitude towards sex work in the communist nation.

“I think that society today is much more tolerant with people like me,” said Oanh, who has herself given up prostitution but remains in sex work, running a massage parlour in the capital.

Prostitution is illegal in Vietnam, but hundreds of thousands of sex workers ply their trade in a deeply conservative society which is still dominated

by Confucian social mores.

Prostitution is considered a social evil, along with drug

A busy intersection in central Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital. The nation is conflicted over its widespread sex trade and how to best regard workers in the industry at a time of rapid societal change. Photo: Jrwooley6 addiction and homosexuality.

Drug addicts continue to be sent to compulsory rehab.

But in recent months a fierce debate over whether to legalise and regulate the sex industry has sprung up online and in the official press, airing views that were long considered taboo.

Even the National Assembly is due to address the issue at its next session in October.

Despite decades of official suppression, Vietnam’s sex industry has flourished in parallel with the economy since market reforms of the late 1980s opened up the socialist system to international trade and investment.

Researchers estimate there are around 200,000 sex workers in Vietnam, full-time or

occasional, of whom up to 40 per cent are believed to be HIV-positive.

“We should legalise prostitution because it is part of human rights. Everybody has the right to enjoy sex,” said sociologist Le Quang Binh.

Legalisation could help “protect sex workers and their clients and bring in revenue for the government through taxes,” he added.

In the southern business hub of Ho Chi Minh City, police statistics show there are at least 30,000 establishments linked to the sex trade – from massage parlours and karaoke lounges to actual brothels.

Many popular Vietnamese beach towns even have open brothels operating under the

protection of criminal gangs, sometimes with the complicity of corrupt local officials.

“As we are not able to eradicate prostitution, we will have to manage it,” said Trinh Thi Khiet, a Hanoi-based parliamentarian.

“We shouldn’t encourage the sex trade but we have to look at this issue in the face.

We need to save women from mafia networks.”

The debate over how to tackle prostitution, however, remains sharply polarised.

Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City last year proposed to implement experimental “red zones” – not yet in place – where prostitution would be allowed or at least tolerated.

But in Hanoi authorities

have suggested publicly disclosing the names of punters caught by police to deter others from buying sex.

Despite high-profile “cleanup” campaigns, prostitutes operate openly on major roads in the city, much to the distress of some residents.

And while Vietnamese children continue to learn in school that the “social evil” of prostitution destroys moral and cultural values​​, the taboo around sex will remain an obstacle to legalisation.

For now, the government line is that “prostitution cannot be considered a job”, according to Le Duc Hien, deputy director in charge of the fight against vices within the labour ministry.

AFP

Hong Kong in grip of acute pessimism MORE THAN ONE IN FIVE Hong Kongers would consider emigrating as pessimism grows over the former British colony’s political independence, a survey showed.

Hong Kong is in the midst of a showdown over how residents will select the city’s next

leader in 2017, pitting students and other pro-democracy activists against Beijing’s move to assert greater control over the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

Residents overall feel pessimistic about the political climate, according to the poll conducted early September by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and released on Sunday (September 21).

On a scale of zero to 10, with zero being “extremely pessimistic”, the average response was merely 4.22.

Just over 21 per cent of respondents said they would consider leaving the city altogether given the current climate.

“Hong Kong is on the brink of another wave of mass migration,” said Sonny Lo, a professor at the Hong Kong Institute of Education.

A city feeling less self-assured. Photo: Baltic Media “More and more people will leave in the next few years as the election for the chief executive approaches.”

The city saw waves of migration leading up to the transfer of sovereignty from the UK to China in 1997, when tens of thousands left every year.

Emigration also surged in the wake of the Tiananmen

crackdown in 1989, when Beijing violently suppressed protests by thousands of students calling for democracy.

Many went to Canada, Australia and the US, only to return later as the political and economic situation stabilised.

The Chinese University poll was released before a week-long student strike which began Monday.

“Hong Kongers are inherently hopeful, they strive to make things better,” Hong Kong blogger Joyce Man told reporters.

“But when you put them in a situation where things are becoming increasingly hopeless and they see things around them becoming worse – and at the same time you take away that option of self-determination and that option of making a positive change – then I think that’s very damaging.”

But support for those democracy activists vowing a wave of civil disobedience is by no means universal.

About 46 per cent of residents said that they do not support the Occupy Central movement, a group threatening to stage major protests in the regional financial hub’s main business district.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

IN BRIEF RUSSIA

Anti-war activists march in Moscow Thousands of Russians on Sunday (September 21) marched through Moscow to protest the Kremlin’s involvement in the Ukraine crisis, in the country’s first major anti-war rally since fighting erupted in April.

A huge column of protesters moved through the heart of the capital to condemn Moscow’s role in a conflict that has claimed nearly 3,000 lives and pitted Russians against Ukrainians.

Some carried Ukrainian flags and chanted “Peace to Ukraine, freedom to Russia, jail for Putin” as the strains of The Beatles’s All You Need Is Love wafted through the crowds.

The rally, dubbed “The Peace March”, came amid a Russian media blackout on the presence of Russian troops in Ukraine.

FIJI

New PM sworn in Coup leader Voreqe Bainimarama was sworn in as Fiji’s new prime minister on Monday (September 22), five days after the South Pacific nation held its first general election since 2006.

With results confirming Bainimarama had swept the election with almost 60 per cent of the vote, he was sworn in by President Epeli Nailatikau at a brief ceremony in the capital Suva’s Government House.

“I solemnly and sincerely promise to hold my office with honour, dignity and integrity,” the 60-year-old pledged, eight years after he toppled Fiji’s last democratically elected leader Laisenia Qarase in a bloodless coup.

YEMEN

Peace deal inked Rival groups in Yemen have signed a UN-brokered peace deal after Shiite rebels seized the government headquarters and the prime minister resigned following raging violence in the capital.

“A national peace agreement based on the outcomes of the national dialogue conference was signed this evening at the presidential palace”, local media reported Sunday (September 21).

“We have reached a final deal with which we can overcome this crisis,” President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon said the deal marked a “positive step towards political stability and peace in the country.” AFP @thephuketnews

WORLD NEWS 13

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Pope deplores violence in the name of religion

P

ope Francis warned during a visit to Albania on Sunday (September 21) that religion can never be used to justify violence, making apparent reference to the bloodshed wreaked by Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

The 77-year-old pontiff said majority-Muslim Albania was an “inspiring example” of religious harmony, as hundreds of thousands thronged the streets of the capital Tirana to greet him.

In a speech to leaders of Albania’s religious communities – including Muslim, Orthodox Bektashi, Jewish and Protestant – Francis took aim at extremists he accused of perverting religion for their own ends.

“No one must use the name of God to commit violence,” the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics said at the Catholic University. “To kill in the name of God is a grave sacrilege. To discriminate in the name of God is inhuman.”

In an earlier speech to government officials he also praised the peaceful coexistence of Albania’s Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Mus-

Pope Fancis, onboard a jet returning from Albania, speaking to reporters about his concerns at a troubled time marked by religious bigotry and regional unrest. Photo: AFP lims, labelling it “a precious gift to the country”.

He said it was especially important “in these times where an authentic religious spirit is being perverted and where religious differences are being distorted”.

The remarks were widely seen as a reference to Nigeria’s savage Boko Haram militants as well as the Islamic State group, which espouses a radical and brutal interpretation

of Islam to pursue a dream of reviving a caliphate in Syria and Iraq.

“Let no one consider themselves to be the ‘armour’ of God while planning and carrying out acts of violence and oppression,” the pontiff told officials at the presidential palace in Tirana.

Local authorities stepped up security after warnings from Iraq that the IS jihadists could be planning an attack

on the Pope, although the Holy See downplayed such concerns.

The pontiff’s trip to Albania came at a sensitive time, during turmoil in the Middle East and rising religious intolerance in Europe.

Yellow-and-white Vatican flags flew alongside Albanian ones in Tirana’s main streets while vast portraits of Catholic priests and nuns persecuted under Communism – when

Albania became the world’s first atheist state – were strung across roads.

Some believers waved welcome banners while others chanted: “Papa Francesco!”

While celebrating mass at the central Mother Teresa square under light rain, the Pope honoured those who suffered under former communist dictator Enver Hoxha, who ruled from 1945 to 1985. Under his rule, scores of priests and imams were executed or persecuted while many churches and mosques were razed.

“Albania was a land of martyrs,” Francis told the crowd of up to 300,000.

Nearly 2,000 Orthodox and Catholic churches were destroyed or transformed into cinemas, theatres and dance halls under Hoxha, according to Francis, who earlier said the successful rebirth of the Catholic faith after such persecution made Albania a place where “I felt like I should go”.

Hysen Doli, an 85-year-old Muslim who had come to the square with ten members of his family, told reporters: “We belong to another religion, however we have come here out of respect to get the Pope’s blessing.”

AFP

Berlin’s pioneering eco-friendly store CLUTCHING THEIR PREserve jars, Tupperware boxes and cloth shopping bags, Berliners can now buy their groceries package-free in a “precycling” first for the environmentally switched-on city.

From ground Colombian coffee, to olive oil from Greece, biscuit wrappers and readymade meal trays, the layers of packaging that consumers usually have to get through – and dispose of – are a thing of the past at “Original Unverpackt” (Originally Unpackaged).

Two German women fed up with a packaging “overdose” founded the store, which opened its doors in the cosmopolitan Kreuzberg district last week.

“It was important to act and to be part of the solution instead of just getting worked up about the predicted end of the world,” one of the co-founders Milena Glimbovski, 24, said.

Shoppers can buy muesli, rice or pasta by directly helping themselves from the large store containers to fill their own receptacles before getting it

weighed at the cash till.

For beer and red wine, it’s the same thing – “bring-yourown” bottles are just fine, while vodka is even stored in a big demijohn from which customers can buy a few shots, or more.

The shop also sells washing up liquid and toiletries in bulk, with shoppers helping themselves to grease-busting shampoo using the tap on the 10-litre tin, while toothpaste comes in tablet form.

The shop’s lay-out and decor make one almost expect an old-fashioned storekeeper in a striped apron with a pencil behind his ear to appear.

But its mission is all about forward thinking, by encouraging “precycling”, a preventive form of environmentalism, as opposed to just recycling already used packaging.

Germans throw away 16 million tonnes on average of rubbish a year, according to the Federal Environment Agency.

While jumbo size is often the order of the day at big supermarkets with shoppers’ trolleys full to brimming,

“Original Unverpackt” allows customers to buy far smaller quantities to avoid waste.

The package-free Berlin shop is among a handful in Europe but the trend is still in its infancy, with two in Italy, one in Bordeaux in France and the Austrian capital, Vienna, boasting one too.

It’s perhaps hard to imagine big supermarkets following this trend. AFP

Original Unverpackt uses a simple premise. Photo: AFP

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Tourist figures EMPLOYEE SECURITY slumped this year says ATTA LABOUR LAW SECRETS PART VI

Jerrold Kippen

Tax & Law Expert Duensing Kippen

THE SOCIAL SECURITY Act (the “Act”) requires employers, employees and the government to contribute to the Social Security Fund (the “Fund”).

The purpose of the Fund is to insure employees against costs incurred by: non-work related injury; illness; invalidity; death; maternity; child support; retirement pension; or unemployment.

Employees between the ages of 15 and 60 are required to be insured under the Act. The Act specifically excludes government officials; employees of foreign governments or international organisations; employees working in foreign countries for Thai companies; teachers at private schools; and students or nurse students who work for schools, universities or hospitals.

The Act requires all relevant employers to submit a statement specifying the name of each insured employee, their wage, and any other details to the Social Security Office within 30 days of the date when the employee becomes insured.

If the employment is terminated, the employer must notify the Social Security Office before the 15th day of the month following the month in which the termination occurrs.

Any employer who does not submit these statements or notifications, or who submits false statements, is subject to imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to B20,000 or both.

All relevant employers must also deduct Fund contributions from the wages of covered employees (currently, at the rate of 5 per cent of wages – but not less than B83 and not more than B750 per month).

The employer must then also match this amount from the employer’s own funds for

each covered employee and then pay the total combined amount to the Social Security Office by the 15th day of the month following the month in which the deduction is made, and submit a statement (in a required format) detailing the payments of all such contributions.

If an employer fails to comply with the Act and pay the Fund within the specified time, the employer will be liable to pay the outstanding Fund contributions and a penalty equal to 2 per cent of such outstanding contributions per month of non-payment.

Duensing Kippen is a multiservice law firm specializing in investment transactional matters, dispute resolution by litigation and international arbitration. It is a member of the International Alliance of Law Firms. For more information email contact@ duensingkippen.com or visit duensingkippen.com

Craigs resigns as PATA CEO AFTER THREE YEARS, Martin Craigs has resigned from his position as Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) chief executive officer.

His resignation announcement came in a memo to PATA board members on September 17, with the resignation being effective from November.

“I have enjoyed working with you and wanted to privately advise of a significant personal decision in advance of a public announcement at our PTM in Cambodia,” Mr Craigs said in his memo.

“After three enjoyable and challenging years as PATA CEO I will not seek a further three-year term.

“When I was introduced to PATA members in Delhi in September 2011, it was very

Martin Craigs. clear PATA needed revitalisation with a next-generation mind set. I have hugely enjoyed delivering that.

“I got particular satisfaction from moulding a new management team, redeveloping the HQ facility and deliver-

ing PATA hub city, PATA mPOWER, PATA academy and PATA internships.”

He went on to speak of PATA’s profit last year, for the first time in four years, after US$1 million (B30 million) of losses in 2010-2011, advising that a formidable future is possible with strong membership support and good stewardship.

PATA’s current chief operating officer, Mario Hardy, has been named as the interim CEO with effect from November 1, though Mr Craigs added, “I will complete special event commitments for PATA during November, including the World Travel Mart (WTM) in London and our participation at the G20 Summit in Brisbane from November 12 to 16.”

ETB News

A

ssociation of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) member companies handled 1,710,608 international tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport from January to August, representing a decline of 42.66 per cent from 2,983,139 visits during the same period last year.

ATTA released its data this week, based on fees member agencies pay to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to provide a meet-and-greet services for international clients. Though limited to a single airport, the data are considered an accurate barometer for the tourism industry.

During the first eight months of the year, China recorded a decline of 53.05 per cent from 1,061,961 to 498,633 visits.

Russia followed in second place with 320,895 visits, down 23.83 per cent from 421,266 during the same period last year.

The next three in the top five were: India (95,578; -29.50 per cent); Japan (64,866; -66.93 per cent); and South Korea (58,210; -49.91 per cent).

ATTA president, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, said he hopes the new Minister of Tourism and Sports, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, will understand tourism and tourist behaviour to introduce plans to reach target groups as well as to improve tourist attractions across the country.

“Further talks with other agencies should be held to discuss tourism-related strategies and activities to restore tourist confidence,” the president said.

The new minister, however, has no tourism background and her one-year term is likely to be over before she gets a good grasp of industry fundamentals,

Country Arrivals 2014 2013

% Growth

China 498,633 1,061,961 -53.05 Russia 320,895 421,266 -23.83 India 95,578 135,581 -29.50 Japan 64,866 196,177 -66.93 S. Korea 58,210 116,204 -49.91 Vietnam 36,531 149,100 -75.50 Taiwan 31,697 101,997 -69.92 Germany 28,126 46,245 -39.18 France 27,943 37,471 -25.43 UK 25,761 44,199 -41.72

ATTA’s calculations show huge drops across the board.

Source TTR Weekly TTR Weekly commented.

In August, 227,406 foreign tourists used the services of ATTA members, down 35.89 per cent compared with 354,698 during the same month in 2013.

China led with 93,416 visits, a decrease of 29.46 per cent from 132,425 during the same month last year.

Russia followed with 17,960 visits, down 36.01 per cent from 28,067.

Showing a decline of 19.14 per cent, India ranked third with 12,705 visits compared to 15,712.

Japan was fourth with 8,106 visits, down 71.22 per cent from 28,165, while South Korea in fifth place with 8,017 visits decreased 40.76 per cent from 13,533.

The next top five markets in August were: Vietnam (7,963; -52.35 per cent); Hong Kong (6,135; -59.34 per cent); Taiwan (5,171; -60.44 per cent); UK (3,183; -30.46 per cent); and Italy (2,604; -26.40 per cent).

For the first time, the association also reported there were 42,785 tourists using ATTA services at Don Muang Airport in August, an indication that even low-cost airlines that had shied away from using travel agencies are now tapping travel agents to supplement bookings through the internet.

The top 10 markets, although dominated by China (mainly AirAsia flights) included some differences from what was recorded at Survarnabhumi Airport. They were: China (37,650); Indonesia (1,874); Vietnam (1,306); Malaysia (432); India (413); Hong Kong (131); Singapore (91); Japan (56); South Korea (50); and Myanmar (43).

ATTA opened its second office at Don Muang Airport on August 1, to offer meetand-greet services for member travel agents, so it was able to collect data only for August, offering no comparisons.

ATTA figures are seen as more reliable than those of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports as they are based on genuine tourists buying travel services from travel agents.

Ministry figures are based on cross-border immigration data for people who stay longer than 24 hours in the country to comply with UNWTO’s definition of a tourist arrival.

But the figures include foreign residents who are on long-term visas and make numerous trips in and out of the country, along with workers, students and traders who stay in Thailand overnight and return to a neighbouring country.

TTR Weekly

...But elsewhere, solid growth THAILAND MAY BE HAVing its tourism woes but international tourist numbers grew 4.65 per cent in the first half of 2014, boosted by strong growth in the Americas, Asia and parts of Europe, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) said last week.

The number of international tourists surged to around 517 million between January and June, 22 million more than

during the same time last year, the Madrid-based UN body said in a statement.

“These results show that tourism is consolidating the positive performance of recent years, providing development and economic opportunities worldwide”, said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai.

“Despite geopolitical and economic challenges, the number of international tourist

arrivals has grown by 5 per cent a year on average since 2010, a trend that has translated into more economic growth, more exports and more jobs,” he added.

In 2013 the number of international tourist arrivals grew by 5 per cent from the previous year, to 1.09 billion and the UN body expects the figure will grow again by 4 to 4.5 per cent this year. AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

BUSINESS NEWS 15

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

No surprises as Tourism Minister outlines policy ourism and Spor ts M i n ist e r Kobk a r n Wattanavrangkul has outlined her policy to restore the country’s tourism sector so that it reaches a revenue target of B2.2 trillion next year.

The minister said one key factor to boost the sector was to make Thailand a “regional weekend destination” and one of the top five Asian sport venues.

That may not sit well with hoteliers who are fighting to fill up their hotels during weekdays, while turning guests away at weekends.

There is no shortage of tourists arriving at resorts on the Gulf of Thailand and taking flights north to popular destinations for weekend breaks.

Bangkok sees a slight drop in occupancy from Friday to Monday as business travellers return home to spend time with their families, but it is not a major factor as the city is predominantly a tourism hub.

“For tourism, the govern-

T Thanyapura Troy de Haas

appoints new DOS

THANYAPURA PHUKET has appointed former professional athlete Troy de Haas as Director of Sales.

Announcing the appointment, Thanyapura said the Australian – who represented his country in mountain running as well as orienteering and other running events – “has a good understanding of the Asian market” after working in Hong Kong, most recently as the manager of Flight Centre, a global travel company he worked with for a total of seven years.

ment will push Thailand as a weekend destination for tourists from Asean countries.

“Meanwhile, the country should become the first destination for sports in Asean and also in the top five in Asia,” she said.

The ministry will work with the Ministry of Culture to make a movie promoting tourism and regenerating Thailand’s image in the eyes of visitors, she told media.

In addition, social media will be used as tools for public relations to target visitors focusing on tourist attractions, heritage sites, and lifestyle.

“The measure will present tourist attractions, nationwide, partnered with the private sector to promote the industry, as well as create a comic through the Sticker Line application in order to reach more travellers,” she said.

She talked about quality tourism and the need to increase tourism revenue. She also repeated the popular list of

New Tourism and Sports MInister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul. Photo: Bangkok Post niches: medical tourism, longstay, spas, cosmetic surgery and transsexual operations, though these currently bring in less than 5 per cent of tourist arrivals.

Other key policies are: • Improve facilities for tourists, particularly the immigration process, to reduce visa checking.

• Improve facilities in tour-

ist attractions, mainly toilets and ramps for disabled tourists.

• Tighten provincial tourism as well as encourage tourism connections to secondary destinations.

• Build confidence through a network of tourist police volunteers and local tour guides, including giving local people the opportunity to take part in the management of tourism.

• Promote tourism during weekdays.

• Partner with the private sector and academic institutions to develop human resources in the industry under the Asean Mutual Recognition Arrangement framework.

Thailand should welcome 25 million international tourists this year and generate revenue of B1.8 trillion. TTR Weekly

UK moves to hit expats for more tax Dominique Ronge

GM named for new Keemala pool resort BELGIAN DOMINIQUE Ronge has been GM of the unusually designed Keemala Resort near Kamala.

Mr Ronge has amassed a variety of experience in boutique hotels and branded resorts in Thailand over the past seven years.

His first role was at The Chedi Phuket (now The Surin) located on Pansea Beach, where he was Executive Assistant Manager in 2007.

He has also worked with Centara Hotels & Resorts, as Area General Manager, General Manager at Centara Grand Phratamnak Resort Pattaya and as Resort Manager at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.

The Managing Director of the resort, Surasak Somnam said, “We’re confident Dominique will guide associates to deliver the utmost service and bespoke experiences to our guests”.

Keemala will open its doors in August next year to guests of 14 years of age upwards. @thephuketnews

He’ll be popular: British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne. Photo FCO

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of Britons who are not resident in the UK could lose their tax-free allowance on UK earnings under proposals made to the British government.

The total includes all British nationals in Thailand who fill in a UK tax form, including the many pensioners who are living here on a fixed income.

The tax-free allowance is currently £10,000 (B500,000) a year, due to rise to £10,500 (B525,000) next year.

If the personal allowance is withdrawn for non-residents without exception, then all individuals would be £2,000 pounds (B100,000 baht) worse off annually, or £4,000 (B200,000) for married couples.

They would begin paying tax of 20 per cent from the first pound of

PB set for share float BANGKOK AIRWAYS HAS announced that after its filing submission, the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) started the Day 1 count on September 17.

Subscriptions are expected to open for individual investors around mid-October, with shares trading on the SET by the end of October.

Puttipong PrasarttongOsoth, President of Bangkok Airways, said, “In addition to the airline business, the company also owns and oper-

ates three airports in Thailand – Samui, Trat and Sukhothai.”

The company plans to offer no more than 520 million new ordinary shares, accounting for no more than 24.8 per cent of total issued and paid-up shares.

“The money raised will be invested in expanding our fleet including improving and/ or replacing some of the existing aircraft, buying engines, spare parts and equipment for our new fleet on par with industry standards,” Mr Puttipong added. AsiaTravelTips

income, and 40 per cent on income of £31,000 pounds (B1.55 million) or more. The British government has not yet made a final decision on the proposals put forward by British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne.

The consultation document claims that few countries in the world have as generous an allowance for expatriates as Britain does, and that the granting of this privilege should perhaps be restricted to those who spend at least six months a year in the UK. The plan could mean the UK getting more tax from 400,000 non-residents worldwide, including around 25,000 based in Thailand.

The total sum which could be saved by the government is in the region of £400 million (B2 billion).

The biggest group likely to be affected in Thailand is the large number of retired men and women who are in receipt of UK government pensions, occupational and/ or state, including former teachers, health workers, civil servants and council officials.

These pensions are taxable in the UK, not in the country of residence, so these individuals will bear the brunt of any extra tax without being able to relieve it elsewhere.

Those who rely for their income on renting out property in the UK will also be included in the proposals if they are adopted.

The full consultation document can be seen by visiting www.gov.uk/ government/consultations.

Pattaya Today

16 WEIRD NEWS

THE BIG LIST Traditionalists Our idea of a party doesn’t involve crying babies or sumo wrestling. Instead, we have testicle cooking, fights and moose poop. Enjoy.

Moose Dropping Fest: Since 1972, the locals of Talkeetna, Alaska have taken part in the annual Moose Dropping Festival which is probably the most straightforward name you will ever find. Over several weekends in July, August and September, dozens of participants try to drop moose poop from a hot air balloon onto a target. The “nugget” that lands closest to the bullseye wins a prize. The festivities also include a softball tournament, silent auction and a “Moose on the Loose” parade.

Nuts cooking Olympiad: Testicle goulash, testicle pizza, testicle in hollandaise sauce. Since 2005, Ozrem, Serbia has been the home of the World Testicle Cooking Olympiad. Awards are given out to the most delicious dish as well as the ballsiest person of the year (last year’s winner was Barack Obama). Organised by Ljubomir Erovic, who wrote a cookbook on testicle recipes, the festival sees international participants. The slogan to the festival: “Scots have their scotch, the Swiss – their cheese, and we, the Serbs, have balls.”

Hadaka Matsuri: Japan brings us the naked men festival, celebrated for over 500 years and takes place across Japan. The morning of the festival, men dressed in the Japanese sumo attire called “fundoshis”, run the streets surrounding the temple and throw buckets of water and sake at each other. Chants of washoi!, which means “improve yourself’, fills the streets as everyone drinks and waits until midnight, when sacred sticks are thrown outside of a temple. About 100 are hurled into a crowd of thousands of Japanese men in their underwear. The men clamor on top of each other to retrieve a stick and thrust them into a wooden measuring box filled with rice, all in the name of good luck for the following year.

Takanakuy: This festival is held every year on December 25 in the Peruvian Andes and is known as “the fighting festival”. A majority of residents of the province of Chumbivilcas hold a festival in which men, women, and children are pit against each other in one mass brawl. It harkens back to the days when reputation, family honor, and rebellion against the Spanish judiciary system were held in high esteem as legal disputes are settled between fists of fury. Fighters hug one another before and after the fight in a show of respect and injuries are rarely reported. It’s a three-day festival with tons of dancing and, not entirely unexpectedly, much drinking in between bouts.

El Colacho: When they are not running with bulls or throwing tomatoes at one another, the Spanish like to jump over babies.

Since 1620, the feast of Corpus Christi near Burgos, Spain has celebrated El Colacho. Men dress up as the devil in a yellow suit and jump over babies lying on a mattress in the middle of the street. The practice is intended to ward off evil spirits and cleanse the babies’ souls and is a mix of Spanish folklore and religion though Pope Benedict XXVI has asked Spanish priests to stay away. No injuries have ever been reported. The four-day festival ends with a procession through the town as ‘the devil’ spanks villagers with whips and culminates in the baby jump.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Harvard hosts spoof Nobel awards for silly science poof Nobel prizes that honor the humor in science were handed out at Harvard University, celebrating the physics of stepping on a banana skin and the medicinal properties of cured pork.

The 24th edition of the annual Ig Nobel Prizes were handed out last week to winners from across the world by genuine Nobel laureates in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The awards showcase “achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think,” said the organizers. The ceremony at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre was attended by hundreds and broadcast live online.

The winners are serious scientists whose work is generally considered only unintentionally funny.

Japanese researchers won the physics prize for measuring the amount of friction between a shoe and a banana skin, and between a banana skin and the f loor when a person steps on the discarded fruit peel.

Australia, Britain and the United States shared the psy-

S

The annual Ig Nobel Prizes were handed out last week in Cambridge, Massachusetts. chology prize for collecting evidence that people who habitually stay up late are, on average, more self-admiring, manipulative and psychopathic than early risers.

The public health prize was shared by the Czech Republic, India, Japan and the United States for investigating whether it is mentally hazardous to own a cat.

The Czech Republic also joined Germany and Zambia in winning the biology prize for documenting that when dogs defecate and urinate, they prefer to align their body

Having a bawl: Sumo wrestlers grapple with their own cry-babies JA PA N E SE PA R E N T S watched with glee last week as sumo wrestlers tried to reduce their babies to tears, in a centuries-old ritual believed to bring good health to bawling infants.

More than a hundred sobbing babies were subjected to the ordeal at Tokyo’s Irugi Shrine, with their doting parents watching happily as the amateur wrestlers bounced them up and down in a makeshift sumo ring.

Some of the infants, aged between six and 18 months, were roared at in the face in a bid to get the tears flowing.

“The babies’ cries are intended to reach God and parents hope that their little ones will grow healthy and strong,” explained Yoshimi Morita, a priest at the shrine, where screams and squawks filled the air.

“So if a baby doesn’t cry at this event, sumo wrestlers try to make him or her cry on purpose, moving the baby up and down, while their parents watch with pounding hearts,” he said.

“There is no victory nor defeat in this wrestling, and a match always ends with a chorus of banzai raku! which means ‘live long’.”

The ceremony dates back some 400 years and is held at shrines nationwide. The rules vary from region to region – in some versions the babies are raced against each other to see who will cry first, while in others the first crier is the loser.

Yuki Ibusuki, a mother at the shrine, said of her son: “He’ll be one soon, and we wanted to come here so that we would have a memory of this event for when he grows up.” AFP

axis with Earth’s north-south geomagnetic field lines.

Italy took the art prize for measuring the relative pain people suffer while looking at an ugly rather than a pretty painting.

The Italian government’s National Institute of Statistics walked away with the economics prize for increasing the official size of its national economy by including revenue from prostitution, illegal drug sales, smuggling, and other unlawful financial transactions between willing participants, organizers said.

India and the United States shared the medicine prize for treating “uncontrollable” nosebleeds with strips of cured pork.

The prize-winners, who travel to collect the awards at their own expense, were given 60 seconds for an acceptance speech, a time limit enforced by an eight-year-old girl.

The ceremony also included the premiere of a miniopera called “What’s Eating You”, about people who stop eating food in favor of nourishing themselves exclusively with pills. AFP

Crook arranges own funeral to escape law A FRENCH CRIMINAL came up with a cunning plan to escape the long arm of the law by announcing his own funeral, which both the police and his unsuspecting granny attended.

The 26-year-old, wanted for a long list of offences including fraud and theft, placed a death notice in the Ouest-France regional paper and online.

“His mother, father, brothers, sister and the whole of the family would like to inform you of the death of (Cedric L.), who passed away on Thursday, September 11, at the age of 26,” the notice read.

“The funeral will be celebrated Tuesday, September 16 at 10:30.”

But police smelt a rat and turned up to the funeral at the

appointed time to find neither a body nor a funeral – just a bemused grandmother who wasn’t in on the act.

The young man planned the scam with great precision, phoning the funeral service pretending to be his brother and then the paper, which dutifully “confirmed” the information with the funeral home.

The prosecutor confirmed to reporters that reports of the young man’s death had indeed been greatly exaggerated, to say the least.

President of the local bar, Bertrand Deniaud, told reporters: “We know him very well. He’s got a long record.

We had him in court when he was still a minor. When we saw his death notice, we were all a bit surprised.” AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Plastic you need to steer clear of

SOMMAI REFLECTS FONDLY

Outgoing Vice Governor set to retire > page 3

@thephuketnews

04

Heading into the northern woods

09

2 CULTURE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Say it like a Thai: Ngor Ngoo งู

Steven Layne editor3@classactmedia.co.th

F

or many Westerners, and other speakers of non-tonal languages, Thai can prove to be quite a difficult language to pick up, let alone master. This is perhaps even more true in a place like Phuket, where nearly everyone speaks some basic form of English, and the Thai you do hear out and about is often a strange Southern (Dtai), if not Northeastern (Isaan) or Northern (Neua) dialect.

Still, these are just minor obstacles for the determined learner and lover of language.

Though mastering the five basic tones is probably the most common area that foreigners learning Thai struggle with, another just as important, but often overlooked area that consistently stands in the way of clear communications between Thais and foreigners (and not to mention Thais and Chinese or Myanmar nationals) is the pronunciation of certain consonants – beginning and

PRACTICE: Using the word box above, sit with a Thai friend and describe the above photo.

Ngiep เงียบ = (be) quiet Ngoang งง = confused Ngoen เงิน = money or silver Nguang ง่ วง = sleepy Ngao เหงา = lonely (rising tone) Ngao เงา = shadow (middle tone) Ngaam งาม = beautiful (formal/

poetic) Ngeua เหงือ ่ = sweat Ngoh โง่ = very low intelligence

(colloquial) Ngien เงีย ่ น = the way a dog feels on a full moon

(colloquial) ending. For one, several Thai consonants don’t have exact equivalents in the Roman script, and to mimic, require some mixing of similar consonants ( Dt, or Bp, for example). Add to the lack of a single, logical, standardized transliteration system, and the result is thousands of farang murdering the Thai language day after day, fueling the laughter of thousands of more Thais (who are laughing both with and at the farang).

But not to worry, once one learns to shrug it off, and becomes numb to all that harmless ridicule, speaking Thai properly can be quite fulfilling, and we’re pleased to point you in the right direction.

Today, we’re going to introduce the “Ng” consonant, which in Thai classrooms is referred to as Ngor Ngoo ( ). The Thai character itself ( ) kind of resembles a snake and its reference vocabulary word is ex-

ต

ป

ง

ง

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

actly that ( ngoo means snake).

To pronounce, it requires some nasal sound generation, but it’s not as difficult as at first may seem. After all, you pronounce it in English all the time as an ending consonant in words like “sing”, “bring”, “thing” “long”, “dong”, “bong” (fact: the word for this smoking device was imported into English from Thai), and others.

In Thai, the consonant is used both as an ending and beginning consonant. One of my first Thai friends and teachers, Khru Boy gave me a good practice tip for this consonant, and now I will share it with you. He told me to simply hold my tongue and then try to pronounce it. It worked wonders! Also, just pronounce the English “ng” ending words but without sounding out the initial consonant or vowel. For example, for “sing”, whisper si but speak out ng. For “bong”, whisper bo ... speak out ng. Now hold your tongue and get to it. You’ll get it, keep trying!

Above, left are several real Thai words you can practice, some of them arguably the most important in the language. If you can’t read Thai script yet, sit down with someone who can and ask them to read out the Thai script for you to mimic.

ง งู

Do you have a Thai school?

Are you a Thai teacher who has an interesting lesson to share with our readers? If so, then email editor3@ classactmedia.co.th with the subject heading “Thai lessons”.

Ngor Ngoo is relatively a difficult consonant to proounce for many Westerners because it requires nasal sound generation, but it is used in so many important words in Thai, that you should try to master it sooner.

Thai Tips: Script is scripture Many learners of Thai procrastinate learning to read and write the Thai script, if not skip it all together. Sure, it is possible to learn how to speak and understand most basic Thai without ever needing to read or write.

However, if/when you do decide to learn the script, you will be amazed at how much more Thai you can learn, and how much quicker your speaking and understanding will progress. Since there is no single, standardized, consistent or reliable Thai-English transliteration system, relying only on Roman script makes much of the learning process a guessing game.

Due to ancient old habits, Thais spell words in English nothing like they actually sound, resulting in mispronunciation of countless words. Imagine being able to pronounce any Thai word with the perfect tone and pronunciation, but without ever having heard the word.

This is possible, but you have to start with learning the Thai alphabet – 44 consonants, 28 vowel forms and four primary tonal marks.

A replica of the original Thai script scripture from the ancient Siamese capital at Sukhothai.

The rest is just basic math.

So, what are you waiting for, get to the book store and buy your Kindergartener friendly alphabet book. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PEOPLE 3

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

All good things come to an end: Illustrious V/Gov Sommai retires Saran Mitrarat reporter4@classactmedia.co.th

A

s this paper hits the stands, Phuket Vice Governor Dr Sommai Prijasilpa will be taking her long-awaited retirement, at least officially. The Phuket News had a chance to speak with the outspoken educator about her life leading up to Phuket, and various other matters.

Born in Bangkok on January 30, 1954, Sommai graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Community Development from the Social Administration Faculty of Thammasat University.

“Thammasat University taught me to love the people,” she said.

After graduating from one of the kingdom’s most prestigious education institutions, she immediately took up a government position in rural community development, which had her mostly tied down to admin tasks in her Bangkok office.

Meanwhile, she applied for a scholarship to further her studies abroad, which she believed would enhance her capabilities to better serve the community in the future.

Before long, she was accepted into the Master’s Degree programme for Human Resource Administration at the University of Scranton, in Pennsylvania, USA. “At that time, Thailand did not have this [kind of] programme. When I first got to the US, many of my teachers and pupils were judgemental and degraded me. But when I proved myself and my abilities, they ended up loving me,” she said with a glimmer in her eyes.

But she didn’t stop with her Master’s, immediately pursuing a doctorate at Illinois State University, where she eventually graduated with a PhD in Educational Administration.

Back in Thailand, she resumed her path in community development, this time actively taking to the field, in several provinces upcountry. Namely, in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo and Chachoengsao, where she worked closely to improve the lives of underprivileged and impovershed villagers, helping them to obtain valuable education opportunities and improve their job prospects; she took on various projects, including growing crops, silk worm farming and production, for example.

Moreover, she got involved in the studies of various infrastructure projects for roads and reservoirs.

“At first, many villagers were suspicious of our intents. Our work was dangerous at times, in the jungle, with some injuries and deaths... Eventually residents realized our good intentions and began to love us.

Her memories from the field are colourful indeed.

“In Thailand’s arid Northeast, drinking water can be scarce. At times, we’d have to drink water that collected inside the hoof prints of a buffalo. It’s clean and safe for us to drink,” she @thephuketnews

Phuket Vice Governor Dr Sommai Prijasilpa’s dedication has been greatly admired across the province, and her skills and wisdom will be muchmissed after she retires at the end of the month. laughed. “I also was part of a team to inspect marijuana gardens,” she recalls with a laugh.

“They had developed a really efficient and advanced growing systems.

For example, they planted it on rubber sheets, created an automatic watering system and planted the crop between cassava plants, and even in the local canal.”

Asked if she afraid during such inspections, she answers, “No, every time I inspected, they [the growers] always left ahead of time. Their role was to escape, ours was to destroy illegal plants,” she said.

She has also faced two major political situations, in Mukdahan and Phuket.

“While I was Vice Governor of Mukdahan, there was a Red Shirts protest.

At that time, the local protestors were copying those in Bangkok. We had to take preventative measures day by day.

Actually Mukdahan people are so lovely and kindly, but they are also strongly politically-minded too.”

“On the morning of May 19, 2010, at 7am, we got a call while we were discussing what to do about the situation.

Tyres and wood were being prepared to burn around provincial hall. The protestors requested to come into the hall, but we could not allow them, as we knew what they were intending.”

All staff were moved from the hall and the critical moment came at 11am.

A fire was started and spread into the area inside the hall, starting at a storage room before spreading to other rooms.

“Most of the police were local people, so they did not want to attack each other. I tried to control the fire by using water in restrooms.”

Worried about her staff’s safety, seeing more and more lit torches thrown in to feed the fire, Dr Sommai ordered all of her officers to evacuate. The Mukdahan provincial hall was completely burnt down to the ground.

“I did not feel anything at that time as I thought that we had done our best to control the situation, but then I

couldn’t sleep every night. Even though my brain did not worry, but I think I was bothered deeply in my soul and I did not realize it initially.”

About two weeks later, protesters were trying to burn the second provincial hall, “But I would not let it happen again,” she stressed.

With her own hands, back and legs, she started to remove the tyres baracades that the protesters had set up around the hall.

“I just thought that if a woman started to do something using her own labour, the gentleman would help.”

Sure enough, a lot of men started to help her – it was a success.

“While we were working, some of my staff saw that rocks were being thrown at me. But I was lucky, I was not hurt,” she added with laugh.

Eventually, the situation was brought under control, thanks to help from the Army based in neighboring Sakhon Nakorn province. Key culprits from the gang that started the initial fire were apprehended – most of them being drunks and not even residents of Mukdahan, Dr Sommai notes.

“This was the biggest challenge of my life,” she said.

After four years’ service in Mukdahan, she was finally transferred to Phuket on January 2, 2012.

“Phuket is likely where am I from, it’s more civilized than Mukdaharn,” she says.

She points out that Phuket’s problems are different than her previous post.

“Most of the problems here concern wealthy people, for example, land encroachment, environmental issues, garbage and waste water,” “Human resources is a strength in Phuket, where the people are capable, lovely, kind and give good cooperation with officials, which has enabled every project to be a success.”

However, Dr Sommai stresses that Phuket is growing too fast, which poses problems for the environment.

“As long as our key selling points are the beautiful beaches and nature,

we have to maintain this by protecting environment. If not, no one will be interested to come to an island with a bad environment anymore.”

Asked about her impression of the political stance of Phuket people during recent protests by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), she said “I had thinking about how to find solutions to resolve the problem everyday.”

“It had been a long time of conflict between the two sides, however, Thai people are peaceful people in nature and I thought that PDRC protests were peaceful – they didn’t start fires or envoke violence.”

“That’s why I decided to stand with them this time. Thankfully, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) helped Thai people to achieve peace again, otherwise we would have had a longer protest with no solution.”

Comparing the two provinces she’s helped govern, she remarked, “I love both as my children. Mukdahan is like a baby which we can nurture, teach and educate to grow by supporting them to sell products between boundaries.”

“But for Phuket, it’s already teenager who has a lot of development problems,” she said with laugh, “I am still concerned about this, but I will do as best as I can for Phuket after I retire.”

Her retirement officially begins on September 30, and she will be spending it mostly at her home in the capital. However, “I will do my last job in overseeing the Asian Beach Games in November. I already started the job, doing a lot of coordination and planning, and I want to finish the job too,” she added.

Aside from this, Dr Sommai will continue to offer her services as a special guest lecturer for Education Administration at Rajbhat Phuket University’s Master’s Degree programme, which she has graciously done for two years.

“And I will visit Phuket to meet friends and educate Phuket people, teaching them to love and preserve Phuket’s environment,” she concluded.

4 ENVIRONMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Polystyrene: the foam of death Steven Layne editor3@classactmedia.co.th

J

ust as the phrase Bone Apetite is synonymous with French dining, and Mama Mia with Italian, Thai language too has its popular food-specific phrases and expressions – several of them.

Other than aroy maak (very delicious) and rot det (flavorsome), the two Thai phrases most commonly associated with dining and eating these days would be “Sai Glong” (put it in a box) and “Ao Glup Baan” (for takeaway).

Arguably one of the most distasteful – figuratively and literally speaking – side-effects of the last 30 years of “modernization” and “development” in Thailand is a narrow-minded and selfdestructing mass consumer culture – one infested with landfill mountains of single-use plastic bags, so-called “value adding” wrapping and packaging, and perhaps the most evil of them all, polystyrene takeaway boxes – in Thai “glong foam”.

Such modern monster is seen most anywhere and everywhere you can find food in the kingdom. I challenge you to walk into any supermarket or convenience store and come out with only food and zero waste – a tall order, I know.

Polystyrene plastic littering the shores.

Thankfully, it is still possible to eat out at one of the 70,000 restaurants or eateries – with food on a plate at a table – and if careful and conscientious, you can enjoy a guilt-free meal that didn’t generate one piece of plastic waste (mind the straw in your drink).

Still, in this always-on-the-go, never-enough-time, fast-paced society we inhabit, the status quo of the everirresponsible rush prevails, an epidemic resulting from the advent of industrialscale petrochemical plastics production.

Did you know that of all the plastics that can be easily recycled in Phuket, the one type of plastic that isn’t recycled – not one bit – is polystyrene. In central Thailand, some of the polystyrene trash can be recycled by manufacturers, but this is only because transport costs are so low. However, since there are no local polystyrene manufactures near Phuket, the transport costs make recycling of the plastic here in the south nonviable.

Cancerous

Indeed, Thai food preparers and consumers alike – and not to mention the tens of thousands of foreign visitors who conveniently revert to “When in Rome ...” attitude – have completely embraced this lazy consumer convenience, all to the dismay of not only the environment, but public health likewise.

That contemporary cook’s favourite white foam box contains styrene, which has been marked as a suspected human carcinogen by the US-based National Toxicology Program (NTP) and National Research Council. While the exact degree of risk of styrene leaching at roomtemperature is widely debatable, most experts agree that any such risk is exemplified by an increase in temperature – hot food or beverages, for example.

Take one Thai study published by researchers Chumaphon Rotsida and Kanika Chatsuntiprapha in the Khon Kaen University Medical Journal, Volume 10, Quarter 2 (April-June, 2010), which found that certain common ingredients in Thai food – fish sauce, vegetable oil, chilli paste, lemon juice, sugar and salt – significantly increase the chemical breakdown of styrene in food containers, which would, according to their study,

TAKEAWAY: Years of your life fading with every bite. leach into the food the longer it was kept in the container.

Environmentally-friendly packaging expert and researcher Dr Wirachat Kittirat Paiboon comments: “Consuming regularly from polystyrene food containers poses many risks for both men and women ... Women face inconsistent menstrual cycles and an increased risk of breast cancer, while men risk prostate cancer, and both men and women face an increased risk of liver cancer, even if they don’t drink alcohol,” he said.

Phuket incinerator

No brainer

Sickened, the earth aches and oceans cry, and yet these single-use plastic products have become a necessity for food culture ... business, just as important as fuel, spices, meat, produce, cuttlery and dishes. Well, perhaps even more important than dishes. After all, dishes need to be washed, and the plastic can conveniently just be thrown away.

But consider this, it doesn’t actually go away! In Phuket most of the polystyrene ends up in the ocean, or if it doesn’t end up poisoning fish and wildlife on/off Phuket’s fragile wetlands, then it ends up at Saphan Hin’s incinerator. And for anyone who believes that there are no environmental repercussions for burning trash due to “ultra-efficient Japanese incineration technology”, I challenge you to hang out in Saphan Hin for a day or two, and take a long whiff when the stack is burning off all your convenience.

A rude awakening

“But I have no alternative,” says helpless

food server, echoed by the all-too-busyto-care consumer.

Wrong! You do have a choice, everyone of us has a choice (at least 70,000), and only excuses stand in the way.

Although traditional eco-friendly food containers – biodegradable, organic bamboo and banana-leaf containers and reusable pinto totes – should be preserved and embraced, instead the kingdom’s landfills are overflowing as compound-rich clouds of smoke hover above.

And while some of us are only starting to awaken, make no mistake, it’s those convenient excuses perpetuating this sad reality, that keep the greater mass of “civilization” sleeping. But the alarm clock has long sound. Time to wake up Phuket, or you’ll miss the bus.

Organic waste management education centre launched

I

n response to Phuket’s population and the resulting waste increasing by as much as 10 per cent annually, officials recently celebrated the official unveiling of a new learning center dedicated to improving sustainable organic refuse management.

Located at the Phuket Incinerator and landfill – where everyday nearly 700 tonnes of rubbish are brought to burn or bury – the new center was unveiled in a ceremony on September 16 presided over by Governor Maitri Inthusut, with officials and representatives from various government and environmental agencies including the Phuket Environment Foundation, also attending the launch.

The officials also signed an

MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) agreeing to support and adhere to the new organic waste management plans to drive the island toward becoming a “low-carbon city”. PPAO was represented by Deputy Chief Executive Soratham Jinda.

The learning center provides information on various systems of organic household waste management, with demonstration stations dedicated to the education on the production of liquid fertilizer, worm feed and biogas, for example.

The launch of the learning centre, open to the public, is seen as a concerted effort by Phuket authorities to tackle the increasing amount of waste being sent to the local incinerator each day.

MODEL: Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup snaps a photo of a toxic waste container at the newly launched waste management centre. Photo: Saran Mitrarat Everyday, Up to 680 tonnes of rubbish from throughout the island reaches the incinerator, which only has a burning capacity

of 700 tonnes. However, studies suggest that at least half of the amount of the rubbish is organic household materials which can

be recycled. The garbage that isn’t burned is buried in the 291 rai of landfill land, divided into five main pits, three of which are overflowing.

The site of the landfill was previously lush wetlands and mangrove forests donated by the Forestry Department.

While the municipality is also trying to secure a budget to repair the old incinerator and bring it back on line to increase the island’s incinerating capacity by an additional 350 tonnes per day, it has made it clear that there is no more land available for it to expand the landfill.

Even if no more garbage was brought to the landfill and incinerator, it would take some 20 years to burn off the existing heap. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 5

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

The swelling pride of medical tourism Saran Mitrarat editor@ classactmedia.co.th

P

huket’s medical tourism industry is booming, having enjoyed an influx of Australian female patients travelling to the island for breast enhancement surgery, especially at Bangkok Hospital (BHP).

“We are sending about 80 clients per month from Australia to Phuket and we also handle about 69 surgery groups per year, with each group consisting 20 ladies,” said Raychell Marchant, Consultant at Restored Beauty Getaways.

The Phuket News recently interviewed an Australian model who came to Phuket for her first time to undergo breast augmentation at BHP. Ashleigh Jade, 26, also known as “Ashiie” is a stunning Australian model based in Perth, Western Australia, and a self-confessed “Serial Pageant Competitor” with over 10 year’s experience in general photographic, catwalk and glamour modeling, and not to mention promotional work, presenting, swimwear competitions and pageants.

“This is my first time in Thailand, and likewise my first time for surgery in the kingdom. On Tuesday (September 16), I came here to Bangkok Hospital Phuket for Breast Augmentation. I had it once already in Australia, and it’s been exactly four years since, it’s a present for me,” said Ashiie.

Ashiie can’t wait to show off her new bosom.

“I’m loving it. Everyone is so lovely, very profession, and very caring. Although this is not my first time for such surgery, but I was a little nervous. I felt better when I got here – they are very welcoming.”

“When I came through, I did some testing, and I was fine that everyone looked after me very well. I got sent to my room, and it was perfect. It has a bathroom, some wifi and TV, as if I’m just here to relax at the hotel,” Asked about the differences between Thailand and Australia, she replied: “The surgeon and the nurses, for one.

Here I found that the nurses are so very nice, from the minute I walked in the door until leaving the hospital, [they were] so very welcoming and they are open-hearted and very friendly. At home, the service is not as good,” she laughs.

“Every time they came into my room, they told me what they were doing and explained to me what the tablets are.

But in Australia, nurses just come in and go, and you don’t even know what’s going on.”

“Moreover, this place doesn’t even smell like a hospital. Usually, hospitals smell like medicine.”

“The next day, when I was discharged from the hospital, I was standing up fully all by myself, was even able to go to the bathroom, curl my hair, and do make up. The first time I had surgery, I was unable to move and couldn’t do anything.

“But this time when I got back to the hotel I had some lunch and dinner, slept by the pool for sunbathing and relaxing.

There was no pain.”

However, there were some activities that were restricted post surgery – no heavy, bouncing, jumping or swimming “It’s commonsense that everyone should know.”

So how much more busty did she get in Phuket?

“I have used to have 345cc [implant size], but now I’ve got 550cc, and I’m so happy with that. Before I did not have as much projection and it was quite flat, and now I look pretty good. Everyone is waiting for me to put the bikini on.”

“Now I will have so much more confidence, and I have a competition coming up, the Las Vegas Model Search Interna-

Thai neighbors’ med market potential

T

he “E-Saan Center for Business and Economic Research” (ECBER) recently held a seminar, to discuss consumer behavior as exhibited by the Cambodians and the Burmese, especially in regards to medical tourism.

The seminar follows the E-Saan Center of Khon Kaen University along with the Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP) conducting a study of consumer behavior in the neighboring countries in the fields of tourism and the health and beauty businesses, @thephuketnews

and is part of a bid to help investors make decisions to invest in neighboring countries.

Thai travel and tourism industry as well as the health and beauty industry are encouraged to distribute their products and services to neighboring countries, Myanmar and Cambodia.

The seminar concluded that there are good opportunities for the country’s medical and wellness entrepreneurs to expand their markets to Myanmar and Cambodia.

BIG IMPRESSIONS: Super model ‘Ashiie’ (centre) was quite impressed with BHP, and Phuket in general. tional, next month (October 18). I hope to finish in the top five and get the money.”

Asked why she chose Bangkok Hospital Phuket, she said, “A lot my friends have come to Bangkok Hospital Phuket, and it’s highly recommended. It’s so amazing and everybody has been so happy with the result.”

“In Perth, doctors aren’t able to perform what we want and we waste a lot of money at home. The first time, I did research from Facebook and Instagram every single day. Friends also sent me a

lot of information. And now, people will soon see my results.

Asked whether she thought Phuket’s medical tourism industry is ready to stand out internationally, she immediately answered, “Absolutely, I’m very happy with the surgery and being able to travel at the same time.”

“It’s a big deal for Australians to come here and get surgery abroad. Everything happened so quickly and it was all professional dealing with the agency and hospital.”

6 KIDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Veg fest for family You are what you eat, Big C ventures PHUKET FOR KIDS Donna Stephens editor@classactmedia.co.th

I used to meet Latinos at parties or other events, some of them were here just on holidays. These past few years the tourism industry in Phuket.

T

he Phuket Veg Fest is underway.

The festival is unique to Phuket.

According to the main legend, a Chinese opera company touring Phuket became ill and so abstained from meat for nine days and nights, in honour of the emperor gods. The singers did regain their health leaving this miracle as their legacy to Phuket.

As a spiritual cleansing, rituals are performed by entranced devotees. Some of the rituals which are performed at Chinese temples, involve activities such as walking barefooted over hot coals and climbing ladders with bladed rungs. Some may not be appropriate for children. However a visit to the temple is certainly a highlight and this is a good opportunity to promote good eating. There are lots of road side stalls that sell vegetarian food at bargain prices.

Must haves:

Dress in white to show you are participating in the festival.

RAINY DAYS

See www.phuketforkids. com for more details.

As the rains abound, keeping children occupied is an increasingly difficult task.

Although I have had some good finds this week. For the very young ones as pleasanter than expected afternoon was had at Big C on the bypass road. I popped into to get some IT goods and found myself and young

Question of the week: son hungry. For less than B200, we enjoyed a Thai omelet, rice and somtam, finished with a coffee (for me) and a banana and chocolate crepe for him.

I have not eaten so well and so thriftily since my back packing youth. Having been well fed and a surplus of cash in my wallet the young one then entertained himself at the various games: beat the shark, beat the drum and crazy horse. It was after the lunch rush so the noise factor was relatively low as well. Not my usual choice for a rainy afternoon but a surprisingly pleasant and thrifty way to escape the rain!

Must haves:

Umbrella, raincoat and boots.

Special ed excels but undergrad career prospects remain cloudy

T

he Secretary-General of the Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC) is confident that Thailand’s special needs education program is among one of the top rankings in the Asean region.

The other end of the kingdom’s education spectrum isn’t looking so bright, however.

OBEC Secretary-General Kamol Rodklai expressed his willingness for the kingdom’s special needs programme to become a pilot project so other countries can use it as a guideline in their respective countries.

Mr. Kamol chaired the opening ceremony of “Thailand’s special needs education, moving towards Asean”, and stated that OBEC has an important obligation in providing basic education for children and youths nationwide, particularly special needs education for disabled children to grow up and reach full potential in the future.

However, Mr. Kamol admitted that some problems are still apparent in schools where disabled children are attending which is also @thephuketnews

EDUCATION 7

GROUNDED: Thai college grads are struggling to be useful in society, let alone get paid well. Photo: Durova among non-disabled children. Such issues include the lack of caring and attention by teachers for the disabled children and their special needs education.

OBEC would, therefore, aim to create substitute teachers particularly to take extra care of these disabled children in the schools or apply the use of new media into the teaching methods.

Meanwhile, college students in Thailand who are Bachelor’s Degree holders are unlikely to have a promising salary, as the employment market has been

saturated with Bachelor’s Degree graduates.

Sirikanya Tansakul, a senior analyst from the Thailand Institute of Future Studies Foundation, declared that Bachelor’s degree students are less likely to have a bright future for their careers when compared to a decade ago.

In the first few years of the 2000s, the salaries for Bachelor’s degree holders used to be three times higher than their high school counterparts. Nowadays however, their salaries are only 2.4 times higher.

The senior analyst mentioned that as the market is becoming saturated with Bachelor’s degree holders, employers are less likely to give a high salary or a fresh start in their careers since they have no special qualifications.

The government should, therefore, focus on reforming the educational system in order to produce higher quality graduates and bridge the social inequality gap.

Should this issue be prolonged, then it would be a critical problem within the next 5-10 years ahead. NNT

We are visiting Phuket next month and are a little worried about what to do with the kids on rainy days, Some suggestions would be welcomed.

Answer: The wet or green season, as it is now being called in Phuket, means rain typically from May to October. There are still a number of things to do if beaches and pools are not an option.

This is a great opportunity for little princess to enjoy hair beading and nail painting and the many wonderful spas that Phuket has to offer.

And all for reasonable prices! Children of all ages will enjoy getting a foot massage or henna tattoo.

If you tire of the shopping, a number of cinemas show the latest movies.

There are bowling centres, quirky museums such as the Trickeye Museum and the mining Museum, cabaret shows, bowling centres, cooking and art classes. Despite the rain there are lots of activities that are truly unique to Phuket to enjoy.

8 DINING

GASTRONAUT Graeme Shalam editor@classactmedia.co.th

Chef Alessandro welcomes the opportunity to speak with his guests to guarantee that they have a perfect dining experience

W

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Kalim’s Italian corner of heaven

ow! This is the only word I could think of to start this review. If you do not see the Gastronaut around town anymore – it’s because he has died and has gone to Food Heaven!

Our host, Chef and owner of Award Winning Acqua Restaurant, Alessandro Frau fuses the timelessness of tradition with the modernity of now to present what foodies have come to recognize as Frau’s brand of experimental nuova cucina (new cuisine). A new take on creating and presenting food, his passion results in fabulous food which both diners agreed was the best they had ever had!

We were met by attentive staff and shown to our table in the chic black-and-white interior set with dozens of candles creating a romantic atmosphere.

Our complimentary entrée was a Sicilian red prawns and caviar served on an egg-shell stone. The deliciously sweet prawn melted in our mouths and was beautifully complimented by the salty caviar.

The shucked Gillardeau Oysters from France were served au naturel – they were so incredibly juicy with such a delicious taste you wouldn’t want anything added.

The next course was my personal favourite. Carpaccio scallops from the USA with slithers of black truffle and green asparagus. This dish redefined “melt in your mouth”. It was so perfectly balanced

that we found ourselves eating more slowly to savor every mouthful.

A hard act to follow but the slowcooked octopus salad from Spain made a valiant attempt! Vacuum packed octopus, cooked for 14 hours in its own juice then marinated in extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar and garlic. A delightfully light dish.

Following this was a wonderful combination of Culatello ham, tomatoes, delicate fresh figs and creamy Burrata cheese from Puglia (which my dining partner likened to Cornish clotted cream!).

Then my dining partner’s favourite dish was served; succulent bay scallops with buttery foie gras and pumpkin sauce. A perfect combination.

Burrata cheese ravioli with a saffron sauce and mussels was next. A delicious mix of tastes, combining the rich flavours of the creamy cheese with saltiness of the mussels.

The final main course was just superb. Scampi and suckling pig with cannellini bean mash.

The pork had been slow cooked for 24 hours before being crisped in a pizza oven and when added to the buttery scampi the contrasting textures and tastes were fabulous.

We finished our culinary tour with a Si-

cilian cannoli dessert and pistachio ice cream. An amazing end to a wonderful meal.

When you next have the pleasure of eating at Acqua, be aware that Chef Alessandro welcomes the opportunity to speak with his guests to guarantee that they have a perfect dining experience.

The very good news for people who visit or live in Singapore is that Chef Alessandro intends to replicate his signature cuisine in Duxton Hill, smack in the city centre. With Chef Luca Piras (a fellow Sardinian native) on board “Alba 1836” is off to a great start. As Chef Alessandro has being hands on since day one and continues to return on occasion to assist Chef Luca I am sure the foodies of Singapore will be quick to identify the excellence of this new eating establishment.

And furthermore Chef Alessandro is “Popping Up” at the exquisite Bangkok Okura Prestige hotel at the end of September for four nights. He is taking his entire talented team and they are sure to be the highlight of any one’s stay whilst in Bangkok.

Acqua Restaurant is located just to the north of Patong, on Kalim Bay. For more information, visit acquarestaurantphuket.com

(Top left) The mouth watering, crispy pork; (above,from left, going clockwise) octopus salad, red prawns and a delightful plate of scallops and truffles.

Acqua’s Itallian owner is also opening new restaurants in Singapore and Bangkok.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Soppong Sojourn Tim Newton broadcast@classactmedia.co.th

For a quick escape, Soppong isn’t too far away by road but a world away with it’s local ethnic traditions and culture.

I

f you want to get lost in an authentic Northern Thai experience, you don’t have to go too far out of the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai. Just three hours north, winding your way through the hills, you’ll leave the busy street stalls and good roads behind. It’s not that the roads are particularly bad but they certainly deteriorate the further you head north.

The road-trip is broken in two by the intriguing town of Pai. Nondescript, basic, flat and uninteresting as you drive through – you really need to stop and take a closer look and you’ll find some of Thailand’s most eclectic and colourful stores, really where you’re least likely to find them. Secondhand book stores, family cafés, eateries and art galleries are sprinkled along the main roadways and worthy of your exploration and a stop along the way. Surprise mak mak.

Of course the further you go north the further you head up into the hills where the temperature drops, especially overnight and the mobile phone signal dwindles to a trickle. But isn’t that why we come to these places?

Our HQ for the next three days is the sleepy town of Soppong, part of the Mae Hong Son Province. About 8,000 people call this area home with eight distinct villages within 30 minutes of the town. The roads to some of these villages vary from bad to appalling. One of the most adventurous visitors was a 60-something Italian tourist who had rented a Honda Scoopie from Chiang Mai. Now that’s adventurous!

Tourists have been coming here for years and you will get countless offers of a “guide” to show you around. The crops are simple – corn, rice, ginger, sesame, potatoes, red beans and taro. Then there are the chickens and buffalo that enjoy free-range and live happily with the local dogs and cats. The village houses can be rudimentary at best but you’re guaranteed to find a satellite-dish screwed to the gutter and a fourwheel drive parked outside – different priorities.

Our team of four set off into the hills towards the Myanmar border with a 20-kilometre trek ahead. I shared the trek with six leeches which jumped on for the ride. Along with me, they walked through thighdeep rivers, dense jungles, mud (plenty of mud), across rice-fields and up, up into the hills. We hear countless warnings about problems at the Myanmar border, not

Above left and right: off the grid and everything is made out of the bamboo grass... everything; above right: passion fruit.

The rice fields are tended by the local villagers, who also cultivate corn, ginger, seseme and red bean. @thephuketnews

TRAVEL 9

that we planned to get too close anyway.

The Karen people are spread over both sides of the border and they share the same cuisines, culture and language, if not the same country. Most of the Karen people in Thailand have migrated to the hills south of the border in the past 60 years to escape ethnic fighting and the politics of Myanmar.

Now we get to enjoy the real skills of the Thai/Karen people. From nothing but virgin jungle our guide constructs a hut with floor, walls and a roof out of bamboo. Not only the hut but also all the cooking utensils – spoons, plates, kettles, everything – all out of bamboo from the jungle. Before you start thinking that the hills of northern Thailand will quickly be stripped of bamboo, be assured that bamboo is the fastest growing of all jungle plants (it’s actually a grass, not a tree) and in no danger of

ever being in short-supply. The Karen tea was boiled in a bamboo kettle and served in bamboo mugs, all handmade for us whilst chatting and learning about a simpler life.

There are numerous tours and plenty to see – you don’t need a guide but there will be plenty of offers if you do. Just ask around Soppong for directions or assistance. I’d recommend the Soppong River Inn as a quaint, comfortable base – around B700 a night and a kitchen capable of exquisite local, Thai and “farang” food.

For a quick escape, Soppong isn’t too far away by road but a world away with it’s local ethnic traditions and culture.

There are hundreds of treks, caves, local weaving, cute restaurants and views which will recharge your batteries. I think my leeches enjoyed the trip as much as I did.

10 FASHION

Heal your sole

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Advice on choosing the right shoes, ones that you can walk a mile in ...

Napamon Roongwitoo editor@classactmedia.co.th

It’s not only for your comfort, but changing shoes during the day can also help shoes ventilate better, especially closetoed shoes, which can develop a bad smell if worn for a long time due to sweat.

W

e know how it is. We sometimes buy shoes based on how they look, not how they fit. A study by the College of Podiatry in the United Kingdom revealed that nearly half of the women surveyed admit to putting up with uncomfortable shoes for fashion. Forty-three per cent admit they have continued to wear uncomfortable shoes even though they hurt their feet, and 37 per cent say they have walked home with no shoes on after a night out because their feet hurt.

Supawadee Suwankiri, senior brand manager of Hush Puppies, said that, admittedly, fashion and comfort do not always go hand in hand. There are efforts to make fashion shoes more comfortable, and comfort shoes more fashionable, but it is still not entirely possible to make a pair of spiky high heels with pointy toes comfortable.

“When you dress up, inevitably the shoes might have to be less comfortable. That’s why you should not wear one pair of shoes throughout the day,” said Supawadee.

The recommendation is not only for days when you have a party after work. On normal working days, she also advised that you should have a pair of “walking shoes” in your office.

“It’s not only for your comfort, but changing shoes during the day can also help shoes ventilate better, especially close-toed shoes, which can develop a bad smell if worn for a long time due to sweat.”

When speaking of walking shoes, most people would assume that ballerina flats or

flip-flops are the safest bet for comfort.

But Supawadee said they are actually not very good for our body, since they are too thin and do not offer shock absorption. Thong sandals, in particular, put a strain on your feet, since you have to force your toes closed in order to keep the shoes on the feet. The flatness of the shoes also does not offer support for the arches.

Ideally, walking shoes should be those with support technology to distribute the pressure and offer shock absorption. Hush Puppies’ Body Shoe range is designed for all-day walking, with arched insoles that are “like a firm but supportive mattress for your feet”, as Supawadee put it.

They might not be pretty enough for fancy parties, but after hours of being squeezed into pointy high heels, they sure are a welcome change.

Shoes with cushion can reduce the pressure from walking, and cause less discomfort after a long walk. Other factors also contribute to how comfortable the shoes feel — the fit, size, weight and material, for example.

“Always buy shoes in the afternoon when your feet are a bit bigger. Walk around in them for a while, not just a few steps. If they hurt after just a 10-minute walk, you can’t expect to wear them throughout the day.

Also, a lot of people are mistaken that if they wear, say, size 7, they should demand for a size 7 every time. Each style, not to mention each brand, is made differently. You might find your usual size is too small or too big,” she said.

She also advised against buying very snug shoes hoping they would loosen up, or loose shoes and use tongue pads to make them fit better.

“The perfect pair for you is the pair that require no breaking in and no extra help.

Like how you find perfect make-up for your face, your feet should get the same attention.

People usually don’t think much of their feet, but they are actually very important. They, too, deserve tender, loving care,” she suggested. Bangkok Post

Vogue launches winter collection

V

ogue Eyewear, the maker of trendy and easy-to-wear frames, recently launched the new Women’s Autumn / Winter 2014 collection with elegance and style.

The event was graced by well-known Thai celebrities including Cris Horwang, Kwankao Sawetwimol, Monlada Pongpanit, Pimthong Washirakom, Alita Blattler and Lilly Mcgras.

Everyone had fun trying on the new exquisite styles in both sun and optical.

The frames also became their everyday fashion accessory to complement their busy lifestyles.

Cris Horwang especially loved the Charlotte Ronson collection which was inspired by Vogue Eyewear Global Ambassador, Eva Mendes. The collection had girly lace details on the front of the frames as well as on the temples.

The new collection offered elegant and dynamic choices that highlight exclusive details, sophistication and charm.

The frames emphasize girly details such as butterflies and bows by the temples as well as floral prints inside the temples. Warm colour combinations of shaded opal, matte blue, turquoise, and violet, generates soft and luminous effects, creating a sense of femininity and playfulness that captures the glamorous spirit of the contemporary woman. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 11

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Alcohol legal limit on the road QUESTIONS & ANSWERS The Phuket News reporter4@classactmedia.co.th

Of course, the worse outcome from drinking and driving is an accident in which you kill or injure someone, which could result in much higher penalties.

BAC legal limits

by country (per cent)

Afghanistan: 0 Nepal: 0 Albania: 0.01 Morocco: 0.02 Sweden: 0.02 India: 0.03 Hong Kong: 0.05 EU (most countries): 0.05 Australia: 0.05 South Africa: 0.05 Brazil: 0.06 Canada: 0.08 USA: 0.08 UK: 0.08 Singapore: 0.08 New Zealand: 0.08

R

alph in Rawai asks: We hear a lot of talk in the bar about drinking and driving limits, or lack thereof in Phuket. But surely, there are legal limits. What is the maximum alcohol blood level that would be enforced at a police check point, with a breathalyzer test, for example? How many beers can I have within a given time period and still be within the legal limit to drive?

Patong Police Traffic Chief, Ekkarat Plaidoung answers: In Thailand, the standard Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is set at 0.05 per cent, which means you are legal if there is no more than 50 mg/ dl of blood, which can be tested through both blood or breathalizer test. In normal circumstances, 50 mg/ dl means about two glasses of beer, so in general, you should try not to go above this.

If you plan to have fun at night or think that you can not control your vehicle well, I recommend to take a taxi or go with friends, with a designated driver.

Otherwise, should you be stopped and tested, the penalty for having more than 50 mg/dl can be up to three months in jail or a fine of not more than B60,000, or both a fine and jail. Drunk driving charges are determined by the police, but the final penalty will be decided by the court, which could be as mentioned by the law, or some times, you may just have to do community service. Of course, the worse outcome from drinking and driving is an accident in which you kill or injure someone, which could result in much higher penalties.

Note from the editor: Conventional wisdom says that one standard drink (a small beer, glass of wine, or a shot) per hour should usually keep one’s BAC level at or just under the legal limit. However, this is not a concrete measure, and “impairment” depends on a number of factors, including age, gender, rate of consumption, drink strength, body type, metabolism, hydration, emotional state, medications you’re on, fat and muscle content, and of course alcohol tolerance.

And while the law applies BAC as a standard for enforcement, this alone does not indicate whether one’s driving ability is impaired. For some, a single drink may be enough to impair driving ability for hours, while others may be able to drink all night, and yet are able to maintain a safe, straight line. That said, Class Act Media does not endorse drunk-driving (or drunk-

dialing at 2am for that matter). Stay safe. Don’t become a statistic.

There are no shortage of questions here in Phuket. This is why the faithful readers of The Phuket News are encouraged to email any of their questions to reporter4@ classactmedia.co.th. Our team will ask the appropriate authorities, agencies and organisations to find out what you wanted to know. Questions about immigration issues, what to do in emergency situations, why vendors are allowed in certain areas and general island inquiries are encouraged. Anything you wanted to know, The Phuket News will provide you with an official’s answer.

Thai police are authorized to conduct both blood and breath tests, but final penalties will come from court.

Street security beefed up in capital

T

he Royal Thai Police are planning to increase street lighting and install 50,000 more CCTV cameras across 283 “danger areas” throughout Bangkok in a bid to beef up security and reduce the rate of crime.

Acting Police chief Police General Watcharapol Prasarnrachakit met with representatives from 88 police stations, 50 district offices, and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to come up with measures to increase security throughout the capital.

The meeting agreed to install more street lights and CCTV cameras in areas that are ridden with crime, mostly in crowded communities. The installation is expected to take at least 60 days.

Meanwhile, the police will also deploy more personnel to patrol dangerous areas in a bid to reduce criminal activities relating to bodily assaults and robbery.

Also in Bangkok, the Metropolitan Police Bureau since September 15 has been acting on orders to arrest people found texting on their mobile phones @thephuketnews

SMILE: New speed and security cameras are being installed in Bangkok and nationwide. while driving.

Bangkok traffic police will crack down in all areas and they will also look more carefully at those who park in prohibited places such as department stores, schools, and markets.

In the coming months, the central government plans to enforce its zerotolerance policies through its police and traffic arms throughout the rest of the kingdom, including in Phuket.

Last year, speed cameras were installed in various locations on the island. NNT

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Opening on Friday, September 5th, 2014 at 6.00pm Exhibition available September 5th – October 31st, 2014

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12 TECHNOLOGY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

IN BRIEF PS TV coming in October

Deal inked to boost the USA in space race with Russia

T

he space race to end America’s reliance on Russia escalated this week with a multibillion-dollar NASA award for SpaceX’s Elon Musk and an unexpected joint venture for Blue Origin’s Jeff Bezos.

At stake for both Internet tycoons, besides money, are the bragging rights of restoring US access to low-Earth orbit, a path that was lost when the US space shuttle retired in 2011 after three decades.

Both men are long-time space enthusiasts, but while Musk is outspoken about his vision to colonize Mars someday, Bezos prefers privacy and rarely divulges his plans or his process.

Their young companies – SpaceX was founded in 2002 and Blue Origin in 2000 – are building vehicles to carry astronauts, as well as engines that propel the rockets.

Musk’s California-based SpaceX is making the rockets, too.

The 43-year-old native of South Africa – who co-founded PayPal and also heads Tes-

la Motors – is seen as the emerging leader of the modern commercial space industry, after becoming first to send a private cargo carrier to the International Space Station in 2010.

Musk championed yet another round in the battle of the tech entrepreneurs when SpaceX was awarded a US$2.6 billion contract from NASA on Tuesday (September 16) for SpaceX’s Dragon V2 crew vehicle.

The cash was part of a multi-year US space agency effort to help companies build America’s newest space taxi and to encourage competition among the best.

Boeing won the biggest contract from NASA on Tuesday (September 16), with US$4.2 billion toward sending its CST-100 crew vehicle to the International Space Station by 2017.

But while NASA and some lawmakers were hailing yet another step toward ending US dependence on Russia – currently costing US$70 million per seat for a ride to the International Space Station – there was a hitch.

Boeing’s CST-100 is designed to launch

atop the Atlas V rocket, which is powered by a Russian-made engine called the RD180.

“It is a huge dilemma that you will very soon start to see more focus on,” said space analyst Marco Caceres of the Teal Group.

On Wednesday (September 17), Bezos, who heads Amazon.com and owns The Washington Post, unveiled plans for Blue Origin to build a new US-made engine rocket engine, called the BE-4, with United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

No details on the money involved were revealed when Bezos, 50, made a rare appearance before the Washington press corps.

“Our goal is to make the engine so operable, so low cost and so reliable that ULA would be crazy to use anything else,” Bezos said.

The BE-4 does not aim to be a onefor-one replacement of the Russian-made first-stage engine that powers ULA’s Atlas V rocket. But perhaps two BE-4s could be used to power it, he said.

AFP

Hit ‘Just Dance’ game goes mobile Sept. 25

S

martphone lovers will get to show off moves almost anywhere with the Sept 25 release of a free Just Dance Now game tuned for mobile Internet lifestyles.

The game, crafted by Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment studio in Sweden, can be played wherever there are smartphones and Internet-connected screens, letting unlimited numbers of players vie for top marks matching choreography set to trendy tunes.

“The goal is to have global reach,” Massive technical director Bjorn Tornqvist told reporters during a demonstration of the game at France-based Ubisoft’s offices in San Francisco.

“It is pretty much a case of using technology you already have to play.”

Smartphones act as controllers tracking how well players copy moves in game video

streamed to Web browsers in computers, tablets, or smart televisions.

Just Dance Now is even being synched to smartwatches with an aim of letting the wrist-ware track dance moves.

Free Just Dance Now applications have been tailored for Apple or Android-powered smartphones.

An ad-supported mode lets people play without charge, accessing a limited library of music.

Players can buy subscriptions or “timepasses” to an ad-free version of the game that provides a full catalogue of songs.

Ubisoft introduced “Just Dance Now” in June during an E3 video game show briefing where dancers spread about a theater audience jumped to their feet to see who could best match moves set to a Lady Gaga song.

The Sims 4

“We’ve seen the casual games market evolve and a huge explosion on mobile,” Just Dance executive producer Jason Altman told AFP at E3.

“We think the opportunity is enormous.”

Ubisoft’s blockbuster Just Dance franchise has sold 50 million copies, and its Facebook page boasted more than seven million “likes.”

A new version of its console game, Just Dance 2015, is set for release on Oct 21.

AFP

TOP MOBILE APPS THIS WEEK

2

Destiny

3

Madden 15

4

The Last of Us Remastered

5

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

6

Tomadachi Life

3DS

1

Fragment (Photo)

Android

7

Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

2

Foir (Location Tracking)

Android

8

Mario Kart 8

Wii U

3

Nosy Crow Jigsaws (Game)

iOS

PS4

9

Minecraft

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

4

Noisli (Sounds)

iOS

PS3, Xbox 360

10 Love Live! School Idol Paradise

PSV

5

Cinamatic (Video)

iOS

PC PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360

Over one billion websites

The number of websites has burst above one billion and is growing apace, according to the online tracker Internet Live Stats.

It comes as the agency responsible for managing addresses on the Internet expands choices far beyond “.com” and “.net” to provide more online real estate for the booming ranks of websites. The World Wide Web also turned 25 in April this year. It was born from an idea in a technical paper from Tim Berners-Lee, then an obscure, young computer scientist at a European physics lab. He was working at CERN lab in Switzerland when he outlined a way to easily access files on linked computers, paving the way for a global phenomenon. AFP

Blackberry revival

TOP CONSOLE GAMES THIS WEEK 1

Sony’s standalone videogame-television system, the PS TV, will be released in North America on October 14 with an eye towards an Asia-Pacific release later in the year.

T he s y s t e m w i l l launch for US$99 (B3,100) or in a special bundle pack with a wireless DualShock 3 controller, 8 gb memory card, and a copy of The Lego Movie Video Game for US$140.

In addition, Sony announced that over 700 PlayStation 3 titles will be available for streaming on the device come launch day.

BlackBerry unveiled its latest smartphone on Wednesday (September 24), in a move aimed at reviving the fortunes of the struggling Canadian tech group.

The BlackBerry Passport, price at US$599 (B24,000), has a square 4.5-inch screen and physical keyboard. The Passport launch follows the failure of devices on the BlackBerry 10 platform to gain traction, and a management shake-up last year aimed at stemming massive losses.

In May, BlackBerry launched a new budget handset in Indonesia, one of its last bastions, in the hope it will take off in emerging markets and stem a decline in the smartphone maker’s fortunes. AFP thephuketnews

FILM 13

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM 4, 201426, 2014 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FRIDAY,APRIL SEPTEMBER

IN BRIEF Cranston in early talks for ‘The Great Wall’

Amazing treat in store

FILM REVIEW Tim Newton broadcast@classactmedia.co.th

THE MAZE RUNNERS

DIRECTOR: Wes Ball STARRING: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter RUNNING TIME: 113mins

@thephuketnews

W

hat happens if you wake up in a giant maze and need to work out why you’re there so you can escape and survive? If you crossed Lord of the Flies (either the 1963 original or the 1990 re-hash) with the TV series Lost you would get something of the vibe of The Maze Runners.

Thomas (played by Dylan O’Brien) wakes up in an elevator heading to the top floor. Up to where? From where? With him are supply containers marked “WCKD”. From the getgo the plot starts to unfold although you’ll need to stick with it until the end where it all comes together, sort of. You really sense Thomas’ fear, the look on the face of a boy remembering nothing and being thrust into a scary labyrinth of confusion. A new boy arrives by the same elevator every 30 days.

But why?

Like Lost, the situation seems to get a lot muddier before things start to make sense.

And amongst all the intrigue figuring out what the hell this maze is all about we have enough hormonal teenage boys to start plenty of fights. Like Lord of the Flies, there are the fat ones, the “thinkers”, the bullies and the popular ones – oh, it’s just like my school days.

The teenagers have to battle through all their own emotions before they have to confront the “Grievers” (robotic beetle-like creatures with a scorpion tale – looks like the 'creature department committee” couldn’t make up their mind) inside the Maze. And then a girl arrives in the elevator. Things just got a lot more interesting.

The producers have trusted the future of this franchise to a brand-new director. Translating James Dashner’s best-selling dystopian novels to the big screen was always going

Just a couple of days ago, word arrived that Matt Damon was circling a role in Zhang Yimou’s new planned Chinese epic, The Great Wall. Things certainly appear to be moving on, as it has now been reported that Bryan Cranston is in early talks to join the film.

Legendary Pictures boss Thomas Tull is backing this one, and the film has been in development for a couple of years now.

The epic tale is still largely under wraps, though it’s expected to tell the story of how chunks of the wall came to be built across several generations in northern China. Originally constructed to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire in the 5th century BC, it has since been modified, demolished and rebuilt several times up until 16th century. There’s a lot of history to pack in, so we expect the pic will focus on one or two specific periods.

It’s funky ‘oop North’

A gripping film in a year of “underwhelmers”. to be compared to Twilight and The Hunger Games. But it’s easy to see why Wes Ball got the gig – with this one film, he graduates from short flicks to blockbuster with flair to spare. The gritty chase scenes are a triumph of action and timing. Where over-editing and CGI seem to be the excuse for a action film these days, The Maze Runners use real cinematic pace and drama to drag us along for the ride. Some of the best chase scenes we’ve seen in years.

The metaphors flow easily: we all run our life in a giant maze. It also raises issues about identity and integrity. Is safety and security worth giving up your right to information and choice? The film doesn’t trash these themes for the sake of some additional action.

The themes are integral and well explored.

If the film has a downfall it’s in the answers. The experiences and stories of the “victims” of this folly are fascinating and dramatic as they ask all the questions. But when we start putting together the puzzle we are somewhat underwhelmed by what put the kids inside the maze in the first place. But there will be more of this franchise and I figure the full dystopian back-story will unravel as we get into the second and third films of the series.

Certainly the film looks expensive. The world of the giant maze is totally real and rendered. The acting is rock-solid and a credit to the young cast. You are in the maze along with the young cast and the towering walls are threatening and organic.

You will be gripped, from the first scene.

You will be fascinated by the world where we live for the next two or so hours. You will want to escape with them to solve the mystery. You will cheer as the odd Griever is squashed. You will wonder why they didn’t spend a bit more time and money coming up with the film’s monsters.

But all in all, a fulfilling visit to the cinema in what’s, so far, been a poor year. I thought it was a-maze-ing.

T hou gh it ha s been covered well in documentaries and books, there hasn’t been a film that specifically targeted the musical movement of Northern Soul that swept the north of England in the 1970s. Elaine Constantine’s film aims to change that, and the trailer is now online.

Northern Soul finds John Clarke (Elliot James Langridge) and his friends, who dream of cornering the market on this exploding musical influence in their small town. Rejecting their planed future existence slogging on the production line, the friends dream of going to America in search of the ultra-rare records that will help them to become the premier DJs on the Northern Soul scene.

But it won’t be as easy as that, with parents and teachers against them and the police none too happy about the wilder fringes of the movement. Northern Soul also features Steve Coogan, Lisa Stansfield, Ricky Tomlinson, John Thomas, is is due to hit screens later in the year.

Gordon-Levitt eyes Snowden role in Oliver Stone biopic

Oliver Stone seems t o have fou nd the man to play NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden in his next film, The Snowden Files. Sources say that Stone has offered the part to Joseph GordonLevitt, and that the actor has agreed to do it. Though negotiations have not yet begun, both sides are said to want the deal to proceed.

Stone is writing and directing, and will produce with Eric Kopeloff and Moritz Borman.

Snowden’s story is now familiar to most: the former US intelligence analyst released more classified documents than anyone since Daniel Ellsberg’s leaks during the Vietnam War.

14 ENTERTAINMENT

P

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Up and ready from Down Under huket has a new voice – and it speaks with an Australian accent. The island’s premier English-language media company, Class Act Media, has extended a warm welcome to Sydney native son, Phil Brandel, Live89.5’s new morning

deejay.

The Phuket News spoke to Brandel after one of his morning shifts, to learn more about the new arrival here.

“Born and breed in Sydney. But later I lived and worked in Darwin and Cairns; somehow I find myself feeling very much at home in Australia’s tropical cities.”

And did this have a connection to his arriving on this tropical island. “I think so, yes. At 41 I decided to try and live overseas, but in a place that met three criteria; the place had to warm, be near good beaches, and offer scubadiving opportunities. Phuket ticked all three boxes. And here I am!”

Brandel brings to Class Act Media formidable experience in radio broadcasting.

“Previously I managed and did the programming for four Darwin stations.

And so have a wide ranging skills-set.

You name it; programming, announcing, music scheduling, broadcasting solo, broadcasting as half of a duo, and interviewing, among responsibilities.”

So who’s he interviewed? Anyone we’d know? “Well, Nicole Kidman and the late Sterve Irwin, there are two instantly recognizable names. And also many lesser-known but interesting and engaging personalitlies. One of these I consider to be Peter Garrett, who used to be the singer for the Austalian band Midnight Oil, a group I’m personally very fond of.”

Talking of music … “My musical preferences? If I was to be put on the spot I’d say: Queen, Matchbox Twenty, Nickelback, Pearl Jam, and AC/DC. And plenty of others. Above all, I like live

music. In any case, for me, it’s mostly rock’n’roll” When he’s not working, Brandel likes to socialize more than most, “I’m a highly social animal, so I’m most likely found after-dark in some bar or restaurant, chatting away with friends.” [You can take the Aussie lad out of Australia, but you can’t take Australia out of the Aussie lad: “I enjoy a good barbecue too.”]

But Brandel has set himself some perimeters. “I’m a bit too old for clubbing now”. Phuket might put an end to that perception, though!

Brandel has adapted well in the two weeks since he arrived here, his first time in Thailand, bar a brief trip to Ko Samui for a wedding, several years ago.

“I love it here! The warmth here, people, food, ambience, the fact that you can be as relaxed or as busy as you want to be.”

Any culture shock? “Not really. But I am often surprised at one game that

the Thais seem particularly good at. It’s called something like: how many people can we fit on this motorbike!”

He also become quickly accustomed to his new place of work. “I really like it here. Good friendly people but also thoroughly professional and amazingly hard-working and driven. I like the multicultural aspect of working at this company too. Among my colleagues are Thais, Brits, Americans, and fellow Australians. That said, it doesn’t matter where you travel in the world, there are bound to be some Australians around!

We are great wanderers.”

Is there anything Phil misses? “I do miss my 18-month-old niece. And watching Aussie football while the sun is down, rather that watching it while the sun is blazing overhead like I have to do here. And my mates of course.

“But no regrets about relocating here at all. Besides I can’t wait till I start exploring the beaches, diving, doing all the things that Phuket is famous for!”

Androgynous singer with 1,000 faces

W

hen the elevat or door outside Music Union’s office opened, I found the tall figure of Sunanta “Nann” Yoonniyom – from Thai reality show Academy Fantasia Season 10 fame – sitting on the floor, surrounded by fans. The boyish-looking singer was clad in faded denim and wearing a longsleeve shirt and looked comfortable.

It has been a year since Nann left the TV show and although the 23-year-old singer didn’t win the competition, she has become one of the most successful contestants from that series and has a new single coming out at the end of the month.

The song is produced by Music Union, a label helmed by big names in the Thai music industry including Asanee Chotikul, Nitipong Honark and Chatree Kongsuwan, among others.

“Coming into Music Union felt like arriving home,” said Nann as we settled down in the cozy meeting room of the label’s office. “This place doesn’t

feel like an office. Things are really breezy and uncomplicated. They said, ‘Whatever you want to do, just tell us’. I get to put a lot of input in every piece that I do. We ask and exchange opinions with each other all the time. It feels very welcoming.”

At this point, Nann took out her phone to give me an exclusive preview of her latest single, Rue Wa Thur (Are You Mine?) – a song she said was finally done in the style she liked.

The semi-upbeat love song was very easy listening, with a hint of wind instruments in the background.

“Listen to each and every melody,” said Nann, “You don’t have to think about who I am, just take the song as it comes.

“Also, please download the song legally once it’s out,” added the singer in a half-serious and half-joking tone.

In Rue Wa Thur, Nann sings about the search of love and speaks on the belief that there is someone out there for everyone. The style of

the song is well suited to Nann and is much lighter than her first single with True Fantasia.

Her sweet singing voice, although in contrast with her boyish looks, goes handin-hand with the lively pop sound.

As we talked, Nann reminisced on her days in the Academy Fantasia house where countless cameras kept track of its occupants for 12 weeks straight. Al-

though this continual surveillance may have been an intense period for every contestant as they had to prepare for their weekly concert, things were arguably tougher for Nann.

“Some of the costumes I had to wear on stage were just excruciating. I had to put on girly dresses and national costumes, sing sentimental songs with guys and dress in revealing clothes.

I think I got a bit used to it

[girly outfits] though. After that, I didn’t really know how to go about being manly anymore,” joked Nann.

No matter how much her assigned costumes went against her personality, Nann said that she never felt she should refuse to wear them. That was the most important lesson she’d learned from her time in the AF House.

“Good or bad, the show really must go on,” said Na n n . “ T he aud ienc e wouldn’t want to be miserable with my show, they want to be happy.

“I sing from my feelings and I hope it reaches the audience as though we are connected via Bluetooth.

If I force it, it’d be unnatural. People won’t be able to see who I really am. They may love me but they’d be loving someone who I was pretending to be and not who I really am.

“If that’s how it is then I don’t want it. I’d really hope for them to take me the way I am.”

It is this confidence and headstrong mindset that con-

tributes to Nann’s convincing performances whenever she takes to the stage.

No one can deny that Nann doesn’t look beautiful when she puts on a dress and wears make-up, or that she doesn’t look cute in her boyish look.

The singer possesses qualities of attractiveness and charm that surpass standard gender barriers.

Due to her versatility – both in looks and performances — Nitipong Honark, executive director of Music Union and renowned songwriter, praised Nann as being “a thousand-face” singer.

The nickname came about after Nann’s successful performance of the well-known Thai country dance song Ja Khor Kor Reeb Khor during the Academy Fantasia Week 9 performance.

“I have to give credit to the teachers [in AF House] who picked the songs. They either loved me or hated me very much for some of the songs they chose,” said Nann with a grin that is almost contagious. Bangkok Post thephuketnews

Test Your Wits At

Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation’s

Monthly Pub Quiz 7pm, last Monday of every month Aussie Pub Kamala Entry fee 100 Baht per person (teams of up to 4) Entry fee goes directly towards making a difference to underprivileged local children.

/ KRABI

A special round every month!

Amazing raffle prizes!

10thb from every drink goes to charity! Winners get a 1000thb bar tab!

-

16 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Key members presenting the latest technologies .

IMPACT EXHIBITION 2014 Impact Exhibition Management Officially opened three big events, “PULIRE Asia”, “BMAM Expo Asia 2014” and “GBR Expo Asia 2014” from 18-20 September in Bangkok. International buyers, exhibitors, entrepreneurs, and experts from around the world all attended the event.

Experts from around the world gathered to present the latest innovations, products, and services at this years’ IMPACT Exhibition in Bangkok.

Regionally renowned Thai songbird Jennifer Kim with some young fans.

ECHELON THAILAND Over 700 people headed to Bangkok from 18-19 September to discuss the latest in Internet trends and learn about the best business practices.

Class Act Media and Image Asia sales staff enjoy a catch-up.

THANK YOU PARTY 2014 Many attended the Colourful Night Thank You Party on Friday September 19, which was held at Tablespoon Restaurant in Central Festival Phuket.

GRAND MARINE PHUKET Many attended the grand opening of the Hull Marine Phuket on September 19.

LAYAN BEACH CLEAN UP

Nikki Beach Phuket, The Pavilions, CBRE, Trisara, Anantara Layan, the NP Rangers, Isabella Yachts, 98’EAST and QSI international school all joined to help clean up Layan Beach on September 19. For details, follow the Layan Green Club Facebook page.

ISERVE CLEAN UP NAITHON BEACH Over 200 iServe volunteers helped to clean up Naithon Beach on September 20, in a push to preserve the environment.

iServe volunteers smiling for a photo.

Volunteers hard at work thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 17

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

(Second from left) Krod Rojanastien, President, Thai Spa Association, Andrew Jacka, Chairman, World Spa & Well-being Convention 2014 Organizing Committee, ML Panadda Diskul, Minister to The Prime Minister’s Office, Captain Suwipan Thisyamondol, Deputy Director General, Department of International Trade Promotion, Ketmanee Lertkitcha, Chairwoman of the Federation of Thai Industries, David Bondi, COO, Informa Exhibition (Asia-Pacific).

BEYOND BEAUTY ASEAN BANGKOK

SHRINE CLEAN

Many attended the Beyond Beauty ASEAN Bangkok 2014 event, which took place from 18-20 September. The exhibition included information from all the expertise, know-how and connections of its European and Asian counterparts.

Members of the public gathered at Jui Tui shrine on September 18 to help clean and decorate the shrine area, in preparation of the Vegetarian Festival this week.

US Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney (left) and Khun Ratchaneekorn Thongthip.

US AMBASSADOR HEADS TO PHANG NGA FOR TALKS

Members of the Phuket Reporter Club gather for a photo.

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Embassy officials visited Phang Nga Province on September 17 to discuss environmental conservation efforts and learn about biodiversity recovery ten years after the devastating tsunami. They visited Koh Panyi, Koh Panak and the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre.

PHUKET REPORTER CLUB REOPENS Over 40 people attended the grand opening of the new rebuilt Phuket Reporter Club near the Phuket Provincial Hall, on September 21.

FLOW TOUR AT SURF HOUSE, KATA The Flow Tour Asia 2014 competition took place on September 20 across various Surf House branches in Asia. Hundreds attended the branch in Kata to watch the local participants fight it out.

Photo credit: Amy at Phuketeers

BCBG FABULOUS @ THE SPEAKEASY Members of Phuket Professional & Fun Ladies attended “Long Dress Ladies Night” at the Royal Phuket Marina on September 19. For more information, visit the Facebook page or for details on upcoming events, contact Cecilia on Cecilia@cecibcbg.com @thephuketnews

DANCE STUDIO OPENING Many attended the grand opening of Phuket Dance World Studio in Boat Plaza in Phuket. The new studio features five spacious rooms, offering various classes from hip-hop to street dance. Professional dancers and teachers presented a show.

18 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

26 SEP Indian Curry Night on Fridays

Tex Mexican Buffet At Two Chefs Kata Large Mexican buffet with: Chicken Fajitas, BBQ Baby back ribs, Quesadillas, Nachos, Tacos, Beef chilli, Blackened fillets of snow fish, Mexican rice, Corn bread, Cupcakes and much more.... All this and more only: 695 B (995 including free flow of selected beverages) Children 3-12 years: 350 B Live music with the talented house band will rock the house till the late hours! - See more at: http://www.thephuketnews.com/texmexican-buffet-at-two-chefs-kata-48507. php#sthash.USmwqeBj.dpuf

Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach.

Try out our delicious naans, mutton vindaloo, chicken tandoori, dal makhini, butter chicken, samosas, lassis and many more mouth-watering dishes. For only 449/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks, 076 286 464 Ext 4.

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar Pool Competition at 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Soi Taipan,Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com, Person : Expat Sports Bar, Email: pauljames@ expathotel.com

A Pig’s Tale The Pavilions, Phuket in collaboration with Wine & Taste, invites you on a culinary journey, sure to satiate your appetite for real food. This September, we celebrate the humble hog with the best of all things pork. In true “nose to tail” fashion, Chef Belinda will showcase some of her best kept secret recipes, sure to excite your taste buds and leave you longing for just one more bite of piggy delight! Join us at our Kitchen Table on the 19th of September at 7.00 pm, 1 800 THB net per person including ½ a bottle of fine vintage. Contact restaurants.phuket@thepavilionsresorts. com to make your booking, Address : The Pavilions, Phuket, restaurants.phuket@ thepavilionsresorts.com, 076317600.

SAT

27 SEP

Join AIP for a true Australia event, the AFL Grand Final. Arrive from 11am, game kick off approx 11.40am Members price: 300 Baht, Non Members: 400 Baht Includes: First drink & Snacks: Lady pies & sausage rolls, chips & mini burgers. Seating area will be directly in font of the screen (near the bar). 10% discount on all additional food/ drink purchased on the day. Bondi welcomes children. However, for those of you who wish to watch the game child free, you can avail yourself of the special AIP member rate of 250 baht per child (all day) at The Kids Club in Patong. Free parking available in Jungceylon (only for those not drinking of course!) More info - 086 479 7471.

SUN

28 SEP

Live Seafood & Jazz Sunday Brunch at Banyan Tree Join Banyan Tree’s indulgent LIVE Seafood Sunday brunch featuring lots of LIVE Canadian Lobsters, Tiger prawns, freshly shucked Oysters, Wagyu rump and Foie Gras. Meander from one live cooking station to the next, and don’t forget to leave room for cheese and dessert. With live Jazz music and a kids club, starting at B2,500++ per person including free flow of selected beverages. Advance bookings are highly recommended, Contact 076 372 400. fb-phuket@banyantree.com

MON

29 SEP

TRX – Santosa Signature training Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Every Saturday Night, Num Noi Singpatong, the head trainer and owner of Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Gym in Patong Beach, has been launching an elite fight series “Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Saturday Night Fight” in Patong Boxing Stadium (Sai Nam Yen), where top international fighters will compete, patongboxingstadium.com

CATCH OF THE DAY @ THE WESTIN Indulge in a variety of fresh seafood from our extensive buffet. Choose the day’s freshest catch on the live grill. Enjoy a fantastic selection of gourmet dishes, Andaman seafood on ice and delicious desserts. Every Friday 6pm-11pm at Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket. THB1,400++ per person. Kids 4-12 years old get 50% discount. For reservations, please call 076 335 600. BRING OUR AD TO GET 20% DISCOUNT! 076 335 600. fb.phuket@westin.com

AFL Grand Final@ Bondi Bar Jungceylon (Patong)

Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B320 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com

Santosa Wellness Center is the home of Phuket’s only certified, open TRX class.

Born in the Navy SEALs, TRX Suspension Training bodyweight exercise develops strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. TRX is the original workout system that leverages gravity and bodyweight to perform hundreds of exercises. TRX is highly functional and efficient in achieving extreme results quickly! To book this class, or to find out the other TRX class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600 Patak Rd, Kata.

Phuket Walking Street

BBQ at Expat Hotel Time 8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsports bar. com. pauljames@expathotel.com

Phuket Walking Street, “Laad Yai” is a Village & Community Development Potential Project (SML) of the “Old Phuket Town Community” in Laad Yai, Phuket Town. The visitors can enjoy the Old Phuket Town atmosphere which benefit to the local economic growth in the Old Phuket Town community. Open every Sunday from 16.00 - 22.00 Hrs. For more info visit facebook.com/phuketwalkingstreet or contact: 089 474 5253.

FONDUE All You Can Eat Mondays & Thursdays. FONDUE all you can eat (Pork, Chicken, Beef, Prawns, Fish & Squids) with salad buffet, cold and hot sauces, Garlic Bread, baked potatoes, potato salad and more for 390 Thb per person.

7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure, patongshakers.com, 076 349 912.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TUE

EVENTS 19

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 limited 1st come 1st served, Molly Malones , Patong, Email: kencrowe@mollymalonesthailand.com ,076 292 771

30 SEP BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat Wednesdays and Fridays. BBQ Ribs all you can eat with salad buffet and potato salad for B295 per person. 7pm-11pm.

Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure, patongshakers.com, 076 349 912.

SUN

12 CCT

Zumba in the Jungle We do not consider Zumba a class, it is a fitness party! Making exercising fun, the dynamic Latin-based dance workout has taken the fitness world by storm. Vibrant and energetic, an hour of serious cardio passes by in such a flurry of colourful smiles, that it doesn’t feel like exercise at all! Join us at Santosa, where the formidable Geti Pici transforms our fitness pavilion into a fit-party! To book this class, or to find out the other Zumba class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600 Patak Rd, Kata.

Half Chicken Spit Roast Tuesdays and Saturdays: Half chicken spit roast with french fries, salad buffet, potato salad & gravy sauce for B225 per person. 7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure 076 349 912.

WED

1 OCT

VNEA Pool Leagues Season 2 If the idea of spending an evening laughing with friends & playing a fun game of pool sounds good to you, then the VNEA Pool League is for you! The winning team will play at the VNEA 2015 World Championship in Las Vegas (7 days, all-expense paid trip, ticket, hotel, meals) courtesy of Thailand Pool Tables. To sign up Call 085 797 0005 or visit www.facebook.com/ vneaphuket Sponsored by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

@thephuketnews

Aerial Yoga–Unique to Santosa The fluid, gravity-defying twist on yoga shows how we can learn to fly whilst relieving compressed joints and re-aligning the body. The practice uses graceful, trapezelike movements which sometimes seem like acrobatics. A wonderful way to do inversion poses, aerial yoga really is an innovative fitness trend, and Santosa are extremely proud to be the only center in Phuket offering suspended movement in every direction along with stimulation of the organs, muscles and bones. To book this class, or to find out the other Aerial yoga class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600. Patak Rd, Kata, colleen@santosaphuket.com

The Good Shepherd Craft Shop Opens every Wednesday from 10AM to NOON and every Saturday from 9AM to NOON. We have a wide and wonderful selection of handicrafts such as educational toys, dolls, puppets, paper art, greeting cards for all occasions, Novelties like tooth fairy pillow, and many more. All proceeds go directly to The Good Shepherd mission. More info visit www.thegoodshepherd.info/shop/ reginatudor@ gmail.com, 083 104 0788

FRI

Starwood Mini Marathon for Charity Starwood hotels and resorts; Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort with The Westin Siray Bay Resort&Spa Phuket and The Naka Island have joined hands to organize a charity mini marathon to raise funds for Baan Bang Thong School and Life Home Foundation on Sunday 12 September from 6 am onwards at Bang Wad Dam, Kathu. The race is divided into 10 categories namely the Open category, followed by 25 - 29 years, 30 - 34 years, 35 - 39 years, 40 44 years, 45 – 49 years, 50 – 54 years, 55 – 59 years, 60 – 64 years and over 65 years for both male and female participants. THB 250 for 10.5km and THB 200 for 3.5km fun run. Free running T-shirt, bib and bottled water. To book a place or for further info please contact Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort at 076-370100 or Email: Manit.Pimparien@lemeridien.com - Proudly supported by Class Act Media The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

SAT

20 OCT

3 OCT Phuket Youth Week 2014

Matthew Hole Comedy Hypnoiss Show One night only! BOOK NOW! Seats are

Phuket Youth Sailing Club(PYSC) presents ‘Phuket Youth Week 2014’. Sailing Fun Camp and Regatta on 20-26 October. Open to all and beginners welcome. To book a place or for further info please contact Katy:- 085-2159185 or email: phuketyouthsailingclub@gmail. com,Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

WED

18 MAR 2015

RBFC THAILAND 2015 ‘Classic’ Sport Fishing Tournament To be held 18 to 20 March 2015 off the beautiful Similan Islands, the tournament boasts the most generous prize money in Asia!!! At least 20 boats have already confirmed, including teams from Australia, Canada, USA, UK, Germany, Oman, Hong Kong and Singapore. For further details please contact Warren Crowe Tel: +66(0) 812704291 or Andy Bright Tel: +66(0) 862739948. E-mail: info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com

EVERY DAY

ALL INCLUSIVE AT CLUB MED PHUKET Come to enjoy our day or evening pass at Club Med Phuket, with our all inclusive package (international buffet, free flow bar, events & sports (tennis, squash, badminton, basketball, ping-pong, archery, football, beach volley, golf, gym & fitness classes)) for only THB 2’600 for the day pass and THB 3’350 for the evening pass (special rates for residents and children). For information: 076 330 456 or phuccrec01@clubmed.com

20 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 49. Cooler 51. Day break 52. Emblem on 1. Handouts defunct flag 5. Tyson, for one 58.

Wind up on 10. Mouselike animal stage?

14. Lender’s protection 59. Independent 15. Honey badger chieftains 16. Caddie’s offering 60.

Brook 17. Gay Talese’s “___ 61. Droppings the Sons” 62. Andrea Doria’s 18. Character domain 19. Divide 63.

Carbon 20. Fundamental compound 23. Apprehend 24. Ottoman governor 64. Greek portico 65. Opponent 25. Bird ___ 66. Selves 26. ___ shirt (colorful garment) Down 28. High-hatter 30. Datebook abbr.

1. She has a degree 33. Resinous deposit 34. Lou Gehrig, on the 2. One-dimensional 3. Organic process diamond 35. Insect stage 4. Priggish one 36. Building materials 5. Davit 40. Lie in the sun 6. Robust 41. Food sticker 7. Crowning 42. Deface 8. Kind of pad 43. A Welsh valley 9. Political aims 44. Ethereal 10. Connoisseurship 45. Indian nursemaids 11. It comes in black 48. It’s found in banks and white Across

1. Who invented the character James Bond?

2. Which NASA spacecraft reached Mars last weekend?

3. Which movie star was born as Norma Jeane Mortenson?

4. Tony Bennett, Dustin Hoffman and Elizabeth Taylor have all featured in which TV show?

5. Which comic book adventures were illustrated by Albert Uderzo?

Answers below right.

SUDOKU

12. Kind of wolf 13. Purposes 21. Sternward 22. Vatican vestment 27. Ward-heeler 28. Hell’s Angel Barger 29. Art subject 30. Surpassing 31. Busy bee in Apr. 32. Blacken 34. Worth a C 35. Beseech 36. “Monty Python” airer 37. Cold and wet 38. Ship section 39. Muscat resident 44. It often follows you 46. “Go, hounds!”

47. Bewitches 48. Alpha’s opposite 49. Storage medium 50. Examine 52. Bricklayers’ equipment 53. Adjoin 54. Pre-stereo 55. Last word?

56. Emergency CB channel 57. Algonquian Indian

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Ian Fleming; 2. Maven; 3. Marilyn Monroe; 4. The Simpsons; 5. Asterix the Gaul.

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

■■ September 26, 1984

26

The United Kingdom signs an agreement to hand Hong Kong back to China in 1997.

■■ September 27, 1905

Length in minutes of the perfect nap, according to NASA researchers.

The physics journal Annalen der Physik receives Albert Einstein’s paper, Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon Its Energy Content?, introducing the equation E=mc².

102

The world record for the largest number of naked people riding a rollercoaster at the same time.

■■ September 28, 2006 Suvarnabhumi Airport opens. The old Don Muang International Airport after the older airport ceased international commercial flights.

145

■■ September 29, 2008

Days the average man will spend shaving during his lifetime.

Lehman Brothers and Washington Mutual go bust and the Dow Jones Industrial Average falls 777.68 points, the largest single-day point loss in its history, triggering the Global Financial Crisis.

2,500

■■ September 30, 1955

The number of teeth a snail has.

Film star James Dean dies, aged 24, when he crashes his Porsche sports car.

200

Calories burned by watching a horror movie – about the same as walking for half an hour.

Source: Uberfacts

This week in history

■■ October 1, 1975 Thrilla in Manila: Muhammad Ali defeats Joe Frazier in a heavyweight boxing match in Manila, Philippines.

Sheer elegance: The hand of a Nora dancer. Nora is a style of dancing unique to southern Thailand, in which the dancer portays the movements of a bird. Photo by Alasdair Forbes.

Have a Phuket photo to share? Email it with caption to editor@classactmedia.co.th

■■ October 2, 1925

John Logie Baird performs the first test of a working television system. land. Source Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 17

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Property PROPERTY FOR RENT NORTH HOUSE SHARE Professional non smoker required to share beautiful house in Cherngtalay.The house is in a very quiet area, very secure, has full internet, plenty of parking, western kitchen ect. 10000 Baht pcm plus bills. Interested? Please drop a line to chris@securitysafestop.com or call 081 9686 051.

Amazing Beachfront Villa 4 bedroom pool villa on the beach for holiday rental. Stunning views. Fully furnished & fully equipped. Daily maid, villa manager, electricity, water and all maintenance included, Alex Seago, alexanderseago@gmail.com, 087-8923876

Brand New Modern Pool Villa

Brand New Modern Tropical Pool Villas (2&3 beds). Fully furnished. Free Wifi, International Sat. TV inc. Russian TV, Pool & Garden Maintenance. Between Cape Yamu & Ao Po Marina. Call 0818935270, srdupouy@gmail.com, 0930145072.

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SOUTH

WEST Luxury 1 Bedroom F/F Apartment

65 Sqm. cable T.Vs(2)& wifi cleaning and laundry service available. Great location central Patong (Soi Sansabai) short or long term welcome. Tel Ian 087-8879070 e-mail Ianscondo@yahoo.com

Townhouse for Rent 10 Min from Kamala Beach, 3 storey building, fully-equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 24/7 security, access to communal pool 20x10m. Contact natalia_tyr@yandex.ru, 093 586 5617, Price : from 40,000-80,000 Baht per rmonth.

House for Rent and Sale Baan Manik area, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, ceiling fans all through out, 2 air con units, furnished. 2.7MB, no offers. For more info - Farang - 080 323 1918, Thai 081 607 9874.

5 mins to PIA and Nayang Beach

Supalai Hills house for rent The Villa is 244 sqm.Which has 4 comfy bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, set in private, secure surroundings and conveniently located as it’s just a 20 minutes drive to the BIS and PIA international schools.

Only 15 minutes drive away from Phuket’s top beaches Bangtao and Surin.0848519795 Email : robert.anthony.krause@gmail.com

Villa in Cheng Talay

Close to Laguna / Surin Beach this one bedroom Villa is up for long term rent. Comes with full cable TV, maid service and Gardener. ( Has Telephone / ADSL internet line paid by tenant ), Asking 25,000 Baht per month ( excl : elec / water / Telephone ) Please contact : accounting@electrical-marine.com Tel : 076 272 177 or 085976911.

WEST One Boutique Room For Rent 1 Bedroom of 30 sq.m, Downtown, Phuket Town. Fully Furnished with minikitchenette, Wi-Fi. On Mae Luan, Rang Hill Area, Safe & Pleasant Neighborhood, Price : 9500, Person : zhu , 10/22 Soi Phitak Taweep, Mae Laun Road, Talad Yai, Muang Phuket, zhunaumann@ gmail.com, Phone : 0896683639

KATA BEACH Apts FOR RENT 1BR Aircon, WIFI, Spa, Fully Furnished. Start at 500 BHT Tel: 086 595 8512, 081 970 4638, nalumana2000@yahoo.com

Luxury appartment, Patong Luxur y appar tment for rent in Pato n g, 1b e dr o o m 5 0 m 2, f ul ly furnish,balcony,kitchen, big swimmingpool. 15,000.- baht per month (1year contact) Min. 6 month, jstuder@loxinfo. co.th, 0810808831.

Apartment for long term rent Patong Tower ( M 704 ) fully furnished 68 sq. mtrs for long term rent. Included: Cable TV ; Satellite TV ; Wifi internet access ; parking ; security ; Price 18,000/M, Contact: Jaspal Singh, jaspalt@loxinfo.co.th

Villa for Rent and Sale at Patong A luxurious villa with absolutely stunning sea view.

The villa features 5 bedrooms, all with sea view and private swimming pool. Excellent holiday villa rentals. Start only 60,000 baht/month, 6,000 baht/ day, Contact: Linda Ketkaew, Starwalker.ds@ gmail.com, 0818932165.

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3 beds, 2 Bath, western kitchen, Indoor utility/storage room, lounge, dining area, covered terrace, covered car port, small front garden. Quality furniture throughout. Internet TV. 120 sqm interior space. 4 Air Cons. 25,000 Baht per month for 1 year long term rental. Available Mid May 2014. Contact: kanaloa55@yahoo.co.uk, Call: 084 189 5149.

Retail space for rent Unique retail space for rent with excellent positioning on Surin beach Road.

For more information, please call 081 8941820 , 076 271 241 or wirote@ paradisephuket.com - See more at www. theplazasurin.com, Wirote, The Plaza Surin, wirote@paradisephuket.com

SOUTH Retail Space Available DusitD2 Patong proudly offer retail space for monthly or yearly rental at 21 sqm. Please contact Khun Rinwara T: +66 (0) 76 337 000

Land for Rent Kata beach Classifieds / Proper ty / Proper ty for rent 5 mins from Kata beach 2 rai land for rent at Kata 3 MB. rai/year Tel:087507-0325, 3,000,000, Khun Araya, Kata, araya_ea@hotmail.com Tum dena, num facie ca nos senirit. Ximod simodit, etiem iurat ina, se esimumul conlocchili porum

NOW AVAILABLE!!

1,2,3,4 bedroom different private pool villas for RENT in NaiharnRawai., start from 15000 baht/ month. (Holiday rental, Short-Long term) Please contact: 087-8772320 En / 084-854-9889

5 BDR LUX SEAVIEW POOL VILLA A stunning Luxury Pool Villa with amazing panoramic views of Chalong bay located on the lush foothills of Big Buddha Phuket Fully furnished, Fully equipped, 5 BDR ensuite + guest toilet, 2 Livingrooms, Laundry/Maid room, Study/Office Service inc; water, pool&garden maintenance, internet WiFi, cable TV, 24hour security&engineer. Price : 85,000, Oliver, namphung@andamanhorizon.asia, 087-877-2320, Fax : 076-388-311.

OFFICE/SHOP FOR RENT Ground Floor space with excellent positioning on Chalong Pier Road.For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341, Chalong.Oximerumurid C. Cavenat urobsena L. Decepse natere ius?

Perid ina,

NOW OPEN!!

IN THE NATURE ROMANTIC THAISTYLE RESORT Daily 1500Thb, Weekly 7500Thb, Monthly 30000Thb Included: Daily room cleaning, Linen changing once/week, Internet Wi-Fi, Cable TV, Smart TV, Electricity, Free bicycle, BBQ grill, Exes to Cinema room. www.cocopalace.com

Rent- 2 Bed Bungalow Nai Harn Air Condition – Color TV, Free UBC cable Platinum Package. Free Internet.

Master bed, excellent mattress, Sealy Posturepdic. Couch + chairs w/ end tables. Counter bar w/ stools. Cooking Equip / Fridge. Short term – 16,000 per month, Long Term – 13,500 per month Plus Damage Deposit. Available now 1-April-2013. Call Nok 087-244-1322.

House for Rent at Kata 1 bed room with separate pantry Fully furnish and big balcony 5 mins to Kata beach 18,000.- per month 1 year contract (minimum 6 month contract) Tel: 087507-0325, 18,000, Khun Araya, Kata, araya_ea@hotmail.com

DELUXE PENTHOUSE/ LOFT 120SQM Rent from 29,000THB/month, Long/ Short term, Inc. weekly cleaning, towel & linen change. Fibernet 65MB,Cable TV, King bed, big bathrooms,terrace 20 SQM. Quiet, 500 M to Chalong pier. Only extra cost electricity. Email: 4711en@gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560.

NEW DE LUXE BIG STUDIO 70SQM Rent from 24,0 0 0 TH B/ M O NTH. Inc. weekly cleaning, towel & linen change. Extra cost electricity. Queen bed,terrace 20 SQM. Big bathroom, Wifi Fibernet 65MB. CABLE TV, complete kitchen set. Email: 4711en@ gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560.

DELUXE STUDIO 34 SQM Rent from 13,000 THB/month, long/ short term. Extra cost electricity. Furnished, Wifi Fibernet 65 MB, Cable TV, microwave, blender, water boiler, plates, weekly cleaning, towel & linen change.Quiet area, Lot of parking space. Email: 4711en@gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560.

2 BR. PRIVATE POOL 180SQM APT Rent from 65,000THB. Incl. cleaning,linen,towels change weekly.

Fast fibernet. Cable TV.2 big bathrooms.Wash/dry machine. Big complete kitchen.Quiet location. Only extra cost electricity. Contact: 086 940 6560, E-mail: 4711en@gmail.com

18 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PROPERTY IN PHUKET PROPERTY FOR SALE

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com WEST

WEST

Kata beach Great Location 49/1 Soi Koktanod Kata Beach 4 Story, 7 BR, 7 Bath, Spa, Rd front House or Guest House by Owner Tel: 086 595 8512, 081 970 4638 nalumana2000@yahoo.com

NORTH Yamu beach Land for Sale Land for sales breakdown 91-339 wha and land 170 wha near Yamu beach, Condo Grove Garden. Free plan pool villa, Price : 2.5-8 MB

PANORAMIC SEA VIEW LAND: Spectacular view of Phang Nga Bay, James Bond and Phi Phi Islands. Road access, underground utilities. 4.5 km from Heroine Monument. 1.99 Rai at 5.9MB per rai. Chanote title. 089 473 8338, PhuketOne@gmail.com.

1.5 Rai Private Land Cape Yamu 1.5 Rai flat land at Cape Yamu. 2 x 0.75 Rai adjoining plots. OrBorTor road access to quiet end of soi location. Sale direct from the owner. B3.75 Million per rai negotiable. Call 081 087 9237.

AO POR SEAVIEW LAND 1.5 Rai cleared, tiered land with constructed, drained access road from “Beach Road”. Chanote. 400m from Ao Por Grand Marina. Building will have 270 degree view of islands and Krabi.

B10,000,000, 082 277 5971.

MAI KHAO LAND DIRECT OWNER 5.1 RAI VERY QUIET 1 KLM TON SEA, CAN BUILDING OR INVESTMENT. 2.750000BTHS. THAI; 082-8123486

Highfield Mission Hills Phuket

10-terraced hilltop Building Plots. Fantastic sea & mountain view. New road - water - electricity. Only 10 minutes to Airport & Tesco Lotus. 2.5m-4.5 Baht. 087 978 5803-4 / stanjsmith25@yahoo.com

Land for Sale Cherngtalay Beautiful 2,400sqm (1.5RAI) Chanote titled land plot in Pasak 8, located on the highest point of a gentle slope.

Quiet and safe area. Only 8.5MB. Agents welcome. Phuketlandvilla@ hotmail.com, 089 875 9609.

Unique land for sale (Airport) 15 rai, wide 65 meters, Chanote title. 1.2 km from the Phuket International airport and 1.8 km from Nai Yang beach. Only 12 million baht per rai. Contact directly to owner please call: 0935789333

Beautiful Land Laguna-Cherngtalay Chanote title, yellow zoned, save area.

Nearly 4 rai, direct from owner. Subdivided in 6 plots each ca. 1,000sqm. ready to build. Only 7.5 MB per rai.

K h u n C h a n c h i r a , 0 81 3 6 7 76 8 3 . chanchira.panpaen@googlemail.com.

Land for Sale Only 400m from Naiyang Beach.

3 Rai 1 Tarangwah. 10MB per Rai. Contact via email chiangmaibeltrade@hotmail.com for more information.

DELUXE STUDIO 34 SQM 6.8 MB.THB/rent from 60.000THB. At Twinsands ABSOLUTE 5 Star Hotel and Spa! Just outside Patong, Sea view. Pool view. Excellent restaurant.

Modern style. Parking space. Good rental return 10 pct. Email: 4711en@ gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560

Laguna Luxury 1 Bed Golf Totally renovated: new kitchen, wood floors, semi furnished, sound system.

Price includes Laguna Golf Membership and Privilege Card. THB 7.4M. Owner 084 247 1632, phuket3203@ gmail.com

LARGE SURIN BEACH CONDO B 9.8 MILLION Three bedroom, sea view 148 m2 condo apartment on prestigious Surin Beach, Phuket. Must sell, now only B9.8 million (original price over 15 mil). Tel. 081 676 8717, email: teera@email.biz, teera@ email.biz Phone : 081 676 8717

Freehold - Lagoon View!!!

RAWAI VILLA: BARGAIN PRICE Spacious property in 1,000sqm garden. Private 9x4m pool. Three large beds, all a/c and en suite. Big Western kitchen. Plus guest house.

Furnished. Private access. Price cut for quick sale. MB12.9. Call 087 273 0141, alangath@gmail.com

New Luxury Villa For Sale 3 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, living room, kitchen, private swimming pool (12 metre). House area of 600 sq.m., land 1.5 rai (2400 sq metre). Located on the shore of the ocean on the Koh Kho Khao, Phang-nga. larion2555@gmail.com. 084 226 4574.

WEST Double Shophouse Patong Beach 2 shophouses for sale both with rooms above available, spacious size, superb location. Easy access to Jungceylon, and only 50m from Patong beach. Contact: flexistayphuket@gmail.com, Price : 18 MB, Phone : 089 600 0041

Surin beach land for sale Beautiful private location, only 400 m. from Surin Beach. 504sqm. Perfect size for hotel or condominium. Chanote title.

Contact: flexistayphuket@gmail.com, 089 600 0041

GRAND VIEW CHALONG BAY V I L L A & L A N D: 3 b e d r o o m , 4 bath room, 2 livingroom, 1 dinningroom, 1 kitchen (american style), 1 garage (2 cars), 1 swimming pool (10x4), 1 bed room for a maid, 1 bath room for a maid, Internet, Security 24/24, Sea view and jungle view, Total sqm 556.92, Total land sqm 581, a.pellegrino2810@gmail.com, 084 241 3387. Price 4.24MB.

LAND TO SALE Nice location land to sale 50 M. from Bangtao beach area 1.5 rai and land 2 rai to sale at Pasak 4 have facility and road no need to fill the land. Good for hotel or condominium. Tel: 0819378152

LUXURY 5 BED HOUSE IN LAGUNA Wonderful 5 bed house over looking the lake & Golf course in Laguna.

Sale: Reduced to: 26.7 MB Rent: 180,000 P/M. Call Mick: 0848186045 Email: mr.mickb@yahoo.com or www.hoteldealsphuket.com/realestatephuket

Patong Free Hold Condo Great investment opportunity in Patong. I have 2 NEWLY RENOVATED condos in same complex near Simon Cabaret. Both condos fully funished + free hold. Condo no.1 4th floor studio unit 50sqm already rented out. Condo no.2 just funished renovation 3rd floor 1 bedroom 50sqm every thing brand new. This one never use and could be your residence plus earn income from other condo.Complex has huge pool + garden and 24 hrs. security. I want 5 MB for both. Eng 085 471 9246 Thai 087 621 3405.

Seaview Thai house for sale Nice and peacefully area surrounding with Seaview of Andaman. The back yard is the Mountian of Koa Pra Teaw National Park View.with great sunrise and next to the Aor Por Marina, The Air Park, The pier to Koh Yao. Contact: thureewan@gmail.com, Tel: 088 752 4532

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

F. MODERNIZED 1 BEDR. CON DO, ALLAMANDA 1 FOR SALE BY OWNER. EUROPE AN KITCHEN, GRANITE/MARBLE BATH, DOUBLE SINKS, FURNISHED, INCL.2 GOLF MEMBERSHIPS. INFO & PRICE : E-MAIL : ORNILS@SBG.AT

For sale Spacious one bedroom apartment with ocean view, nor th of Patong. Floor area 96m2 internal and 72m2 terrace including water feature with sala and jacuz zi. Per fec t bac helor pad with rent al inc ome. Email for info: bar t duykers@mac.com.

SEA-VIEW LAND FOR SALE KAMALA 2.75 Rai 4500sqm. Nor Sor 3 Kor Title Ready to built with building permit already, electricity & road access OK, only THB 10 Mio/Rai T 088 7680942 or pascal.elephantboutiquehotel@gmail.com

New Kata Condo for sale 1 bedroom, kitchen, bathroom & balcony with sea & mountain views @ 4.7.MB. Includes WiFi, pool, sauna, gym, manager & rental program, a valuable investment and is ready to move in. Call 0878879070 or e.mail ianscondo@yahoo.com

Kamala Boutique Resort This boutique resort business which consists of 5 individual villas. The resort is fully occupied presently with long-term rentals offering excellent rental income with very little maintenance. The resort land plot totals 2,080 sqm with a built up area of 750 sqm. There are 3 villas, 200 sqm each with 4 bedrooms,3 bathrooms, 1 villa with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and 1 villa with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. Each villa is open plan living & dining area and an open plan western style kitchen. Storage room, office room, air-cons, satellite TV, telephone line and Internet. This is an ideal investment for the nearly retired or retired couple whom wish to enjoy life with a monthly income. There is also a beautiful 20-meter common pool for all residents to enjoy and relax in the beautiful landscaped gardens. Remote controlled gated security and car parking. 076 279 280.

LUXURY 3 BR IN The Residence 3 bedroom 4 bathroom, Land area 580 m2., Spacious living quarter’s feature open plan living & dining areas, a fully equipped, open-concept gourmet kitchen. The Villa comes fully furnished, Contemporary and expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces are offered, private pool. Services as Restaurant, Gym, Spa, Maintenance ,Security and Maid. Massivly Reduced price 18.9 MB! Contact:oliver@thurmanngroup.com Call: 087-877-2320

WALK TO BEACH LUXURY VILLA. California style Luxury living 300 meters from Bang Tao Beach – In small luxury villa compound built to European standards by Swedish developer. Gated 24 hr security. Management & maintenance on site; Maid, Concierge Services. 3 spacious King bedrooms with en-suites and rainfall showers. Fully equipped kitchen and laundry. 260 sqm open plan living area; 50 sqm private pool, Jacuzzi.

Sold fully furnished and decorated directly by owner. Secure legal ownership: Freehold via BVI company; land lease via off-shore structure. 21.9MB Contact: PEDER BERGGREN, Email: peder.berggren@hotmail.com, Tel: 0923578710, Fax: 076202641

SEA FRONT LAND FOR SALE KAMALA Sea front land for sale Kamala. 6 Rai. Chanote. 089 874 2141, Thongchai, 089 874 2141, thongchaiwong8@hotmail.com

Kalim Sea View, Freehold Condo for Sale: 11.9 MB 2 min walk to beach, big balcony & sunset view, 180 Sqm, 2 Ensuite Bed rooms, big living space.

089 617 2312, PhuketAREA.com Search C146.

Land for Sale Mission Hills 800m2/1300m2/1600m2. Very quiet and private locations, very close to airport, Tesco, Golf courses and Phuket International Academy. All Chanote tiltle. Price on application. 087 276 0529

CENTRAL Must Sell Exclusive Villa in Marina, Phuket 4 bedrooms En-suited, Fully furnished, all included, flat screen TV in all room, in Boat Lagoon Marina, 10mins to BISP school. We want to sell at 29.5MB but we will consider all offer. Contact Owner Representative, K.Pen at +66 0874658883, Thai & English , E-mail : pen@mindproperties.net

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 19

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com SOUTH

SOUTH

House for sale in Kathu Urgent!!!

House for sale, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2 living area , Large laundry, Large Balcony, Western kitchen, Fully Furnished 5 LCD TVs, Pool Table. At Kathu. Tel: 086-0826078.Email:astroboy1959 @ hotmail.com

2 BEDR. KATA GARDENS 6B 180SQM P r i c e 14 . 9 M B .T H B / R e n t f r o m 100,000THB/month, 200m. from the beach. Gated.24 hours security. Resort 33 units. Good rental return,8pct. Thaicompany. Email: 4711en@gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560

Kamala Pool Villa Large 3 Bedroom house in mature estate offering high security. (Option to build 4th bedroom)Located in a peacefull no thru road, min’s from beach. Recently renovate, available for immed move in. Chanote title, Price 12.5 MB Call 087 078 9707 Email: kiwigolfpro@outlook.com.

CENTRAL Great Value! Pool villa for sale Brand new! Large 4 Bedroom pool villa.

Price reduced from 12.9 to 9.3 million THB. Be quick! Tel: +66(0)810771765

House for Sale in Sam Kong House for sale Samkong, Phuket Town. 4.2 million and Town House for sale in Patong 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms with 4 levels 8.8 million Tel:083 521 2277,090 161 6669 (English&Thai) Email: veenutthasa@gmail.com Price : 4,200,000

le sa t en g r U

RPM Owner Direct Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Recent architect remodel. New Jacuzzi. Views to lake, mountain, marina, pool etc.

Completely furnished to very high standard. Motivated owner leaving.

Reduced by 600,000B. ONLY 16.9MB. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, +632 906 435 7146, Alan 087 999 6174, bggvirgo@gmail.com.

See RoyalPhuketMarinaCondos.com for complete details.

Freehold House for sale

Beautiful Villa For Sale 4 Bedroom/4Bathroom detached villa on 164Sq.Wah with swimming pool. Superb location between Chalong-Phuket Town. Now 8 Million Baht. Call for appointment to view. 089 868 5143

NEW House For Sale 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom with Off street parking in small QUIET Boutique Estate behind Red Mountain Golf Course. Full Chanote Title Contact Gim English/Thai Ph 0816065772 for an Inspection !!

Beachfront Condo in Cape Panwa

Two floors 282 sq. m of living space with stunning views. 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms + Study + large kitchen. Fully furnished.

Communal 40m pool 5 steps away.

Beach 15 steps! 091 876 2330.

House for sale with Pool Kathu district, cottage settlement, Turnpike, Golden Villas 3, 9/111, one floor, no stairs, 3 bedrooms, new kitchen, all air con, total living area of 150sq.m, total lot size 300sq.m, pool 7 x 3.5mtr, a small landscaped garden, a large container of water. Price 9,500,000Baht, 093 687 4385, e-mail: msn4@bk.ru

KATHU 3 BED HOUSE FOR SALE Large 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 2 storey detached house on quiet cul-de-sac in Kathu. Western kitchen. Mountain views. Priced for quick sale. Full details at www.kathu-property.com 5,300,000, Pete Harris, 98/19 Moo 6, Soi Phuket Hope Land, Kathu, Phuket 83120, info@ kathu-property.com

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5.9 MB. 165 SQM. Rent 45,000 THB. 2 STOREY .3 Bathrooms, 2 Bedrooms. 4 AIRCON. Modern Western style. Thai company. Good Parking.

Email: 4711en@gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560

Land for sale 2 rai of land in the South of Phuket.

Unique location on the hills between Naiharn and Rawai, 5 mins from the beach. Panoramic view on Chalong bay and Naiharn. Easy access via private road, reputable neighborhood (German village), tropical forest. Ready project for a 3 storey villa. 3200 sq. m. Call Svetlana 086 743 4657 or Alexander +7 926 914 5555, oxum@mail. ru; samat2011@yandex.ru, Price: B18.5 million for 1 rai .

RAWAI PRIME LAND PLOTS Adjacent to Mangosteen Resort, quiet residential area. 3 different sizes: 1-186.5 rai - 11.80 MB 2-0-87.5 rai - 16.64 MB 3-0-35.5 rai - 22.50 MB Best land and best price in the area. Quick sale, price negotiable.081 536 5846.hajo_ von_keller@hotmail.com

Special Sale Luxury Apartment 2 really big beds rooms, big kitchen and living 135 sqm include furnishing in the center of Kata - sea level close to shops and sea in a charming property: with-pool-sauna-parking etc; market price (10.5 mill bth) NOW 7.5 mill bth Tel: 0817888280 or mail maurice. phuket@gmail.com

House for sale in Chalong

Freehold house for sale in estate in Cherng Talay. Land 735m2, floor area 230m2, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom. Many upgrades incl new carport included. Price B11 million. Call 083 509 8797 for info or viewing.

NEW PRIVATE POOL VILLA CHALONG

House for sale two-storey villas 2 and 3 bedrooms large terrace secure and restful area, only 1.4 km.from yachting port.Ready to move to live price MB 13.9 or USD 438,0 0 0. 087117- 4551. tawanan90000@gmail.com. Price : 13.9M or USD 438,000, Person : Prajerd Naknoi, Address : THAPON, Email: tawanan90000@gmail.com, Phone : 0871174551

Business Oportunity 2 Rai Chanot, 8 Bungalows, 22 Rooms, Restaurant, Well, large Pool, Reg. Comp. since 96, incl.Parking, Shopping, Bars, Diving, walking distance. Price: 26Mio., Contact: bigasail@samart.co.th, 086 940 1860, Fax: 076 381 934

2 BEDR. KATA GARDENS 6B 180SQM 17 M B.T H B / R ENT 15 0,0 0 0T H B / MONTH. New Deluxe Patak villa 300.

Quiet area. 5 bedrooms,4 kitchens,6 bathrooms.10 air cons. Good Parking.

Many possibilities. Holiday rental 4 units. Email: 4711en@gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560

3-storey apartment on the beach 3-storey apartment with a penthouse and sala for sale. Only 100 m from Phuket’s top-rated Nai-Harn Beach. 220 sqm. Freehold possible.

Priced at 9 MB. Please call Alexander 080 521 0736.

Land for sale near Loch Palm At the back of the Loch Palm Golf Course, approx 510m2, partial view on the golf course. Part of a small gated community of 2 villas (+ 2 to be built soon). Next to small lake and it is guaranteed that no building can block the view, ever! It comes with a Chanote title and if buyer are interesting, we would provide complete house plans for free. Asking price is THB 6M, negotiable. 087-2664583 (English/French) or 082-4406884 (Thai).

20 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PROPERTY IN PHUKET PROPERTY FOR SALE SOUTH Townhouse for sale, Chalong House for sale. B5 MLN. Residential complex Ananda Garden Hill, Chalong.

Closet to HomePro. 150 sq.m., 2-storey, 2 b e ds, liv ing r o o m, k itc he n, 2 balconies, 2 baths, office, carport.

Fully furnished. Price : B 5,000,000, mvs97@yandex.ru, 091 805 3725

Special Sale Luxury Apartment 1-bedroom 60 sqm include furnishing in the center of Kata - sea level close to shops and sea in a charming property: with-poolsauna-parking etc; market price (4.1 mill bth) NOW 2.6 mill bth Tel: 0817888280 or mail: maurice.phuket@gmail.com

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com 3 BR LUX POOL VILLA IN NAIHARN 3 bedroom 3 bathroom, Chanote (Freehold), Land area 402.80M2 Living area 208 M2. Luxurious one-storey villa offers privacy and features your own garden and pool to enjoy the ambiance of outdoor tropical living. Fully furnished, large kitchen with built-in basin, stove, and cabinets.

Private and Peaceful area. Only 9.6 MB. Contact: oliver@thurmanngroup. com, Call: 087-877-2320

Townhome Seaview Rawai 4.2M 3 Story Home/Office featuring a fully automatic Garage roller door,2 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Air conditioned, Sea views, extended terraces front and back, peaceful location situated just off Viset Road Rawai making this a very unique home or office. Regretful urgent sale. Any offer will be consider. Price 4.2Million (Less than cost price one million) until end of June 2014, B4,200,000, Ranuka, mrsmum mygift@gmail.com, 0937877212

Rawai Beach View Residence One Sale 3 Luxury Apartments 1. 2 really big beds rooms big kitchen and living: 135 sqm 2. 1 bedroom 60 sqm 3. 1 bedroom 58 sqm a total of 253 sqm in the center of Kata - sea level close to the shops and sea in a charming property: with-pool-sauna-parking etc; Total market price (18.4 mill bth) NOW 13.4 mill bth Tel:0817888280 or mail: maurice.phuket@gmail.com

Building for Sale at Chalong Building near Soi Ta Ied at Chalong for Apartment, Office or Hostel.

Area 350 square wah, Living area 800 square wah. Tel: 081 569 0092 K.OH, varindahostel@gmail.com Price: B25,000,000

New House For Sale Kathu Sabai Village Kathu behind Red Mountain Golf Course , 2 Bedroom , 2 Bathroom with off street parking. 42.9 Sq Wah in a small QUIET boutique estate. Full Chanote Title. CALL GIM 081 606 5772

2 bdr house for sale at Saiyan 2 bdr house for sale at Saiyan Rd, 5 minutes drive to Nai Harn beach. 2 bathrooms, a spacious living room, kitchen, small garden and car park area. Price is 4.7 million THB, Contact: Maria, 0940981977, phuketsalerent@ gmail.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Beachfront Luxury Apartments. Built to a high specifications by an English developer. Perfect holiday destination close to all amenities. 6 x 2 Bedroom 160m2 Apartment 2 x 2 Bedroom 320m2 Penthouses Phone; +66 (0) 91 179 4392 Email; rose@mac-estate. com Web; w w w.rawairesidencephuket.com

Rawai Great Buying Lovely house with 2 bedrooms or separate SC flat downstairs.

Well ventilated with natural light in pristine condition.Distant sea views.4,995,000 Baht. Warren Crowe 081 270 4291 or thailandmls@gmail.com.

EXCLUSIVE UNIQUE RESORT W LAND 4 separate buildings with 11 different custom maid rooms, restaurant /cafeteria in a sweet and idyllic sanctuary for the sense. Surrounded by lush green mountains and tropical forest. The Resort is an oasis of natural beauty and only a couple of minutes walking to beautiful Naiharn beach! Location Soi Naya PRICE 33.3 MB. Cotact: oliver@ thurmanngroup.com, Call: 087-8772320

3-storey villa for sale New 3-storey villa in Phuket for sale.

Glass elevator, pool, ocean view.

700 sqm. Close to Villa Market mall.

Freehold possible. Priced at 13 MB. Contact: Mattias, Call : 090 067 3444 Email: info@progressivephuket.com

Nai Harn Baan Bua When only the best will do!!!!4 bed/pool villa in Phukets best kept gated community.410 sq.mtr villa.812 sq.mtr land.Overlooking lagoon.Beautiful.Ph: 0812704291. or thailandmls@gmail.com.

Price 22.5 MB.

7th Floor Suites (Hotel) Building For Sale Kata Beach Center 9 apar tments and a 300 sqm Penthouse on the roof plus fully equipped restaurant and pool with terrace are free of rent and now available.

Price total 38 million Baht (9.50.000.euro) include chanote and Thai company.

For serious interest email: maurice.phuket@gmail.com, Tel: 081 788 8280

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Jobs

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FREELANCE WEB / SEO / EDITING

Welcome Phuket Co Ltd is a new company providing Tour Desk Services in Phuket is looking for: TOUR DESK SALES TEAM EDUCATION: University Degree LANGUAGES: Excellent command of English and Thai and sufficient written knowledge to deal with suppliers/vouchers/brochures ATTITUDE: We are looking for active and fun loving people who are keen to connect with our guests & who love to sell/ learn AGE: Roughly 23-30 years old, but if older & confident, and have interesting work experience, please apply PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN TOURISM/HOSPITALITY: Appreciated but not required IT: Must be knowledgeable with internet, basic wordprocessing such as Microsoft Office ADDITIONAL LANGUAGES: We are especially looking for one or 2 of following languages Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, French and German

WE OFFER RENUMERATION: Comensurate with experience and consisting of a fixed and commissionable part LOCATION: Various hotels in Phuket FABULOUS OPPORTUNITY: to interact with an international clientele from all over the world. Improve your spoken languages, gain in confidence and experience, grow with us RESPONSIBILITY: to act and take charge and prove yourself that you are good at sales and reap the rewards, learn to manage the administrative part of the business in addition to the hands on part STARTING DATE: November 1st 2014 or before Interested candidates are invited to send their applications by email to info@welcomephuket.com (Before October 15th 2014)

Do you require up-dates/SEO to your site, blog or Open Cart? Also: s-engine/ RSS/Blog submissions - PDF/Photo flip shows - Web Photo Video’s etc. Email: mr.m.hopkins@gmail.com.

Hooters Phuket is getting ready for high season & needs beautiful, outgoing & customer service minded girls to join the team!

We are a busy bar/restaurant & need girls to be chatty, confident, hard working & always smiling!

EVENT/PR MANAGER Event/Pr Manager required for a well established event taking place in Phuket every December. Thai or foreign candidates considered but must have exceptional English language skills, reading, writing and speaking. Must be able to meet deadlines, work on own initiative and be a team player. gordon@asia-pacificsuperyachts.com

Requirements: Female Only / หญิง Age 21-35 / อายุระหว่าง 21-35 ปี Good English / สือ่ สารภาษาอังกฤษได้ดี Outgoing personality / บุคลิกภาพดี Hard working / ขยัน Fit / รูปร่างดี Have pride in appearance / มีใจรักด้านงานบริการ Aesthetically pleasing / ชืน่ ชอบความสุนทรีย์ Great Customer Service skills / มีพน้ื ฐานด้านงานบริการ Food & Beverage knowledge / มีความรูเ้ รือ่ งอาหารและเครือ่ งดืม่ Experience in F&B field / มีประการณ์ดา้ นอาหารและเครือ่ งดืม่

Incentives:

Salary 30,000++ (basic & service charge) Daily Tips Staff Food Staff van If you want to be a Hooters Girl then come in store & fill out an application form or contact Peer Phone 076-349850, 076-349939 / email : Admin@hootersphuket.com

Welcome to both Thai & Non thai nationale

Russian staff needed Phuket-based company is looking for a Russian national with good command of English (and preferably Thai) language. Full time employment in line with Thai laws (non-b visa, WP). Salary starts from 30,000 THB. Please send CV and photo to opaopa543@mail.ru

HOST & SALES PERSON Lotus Medical International seeks to hire people both to host our clients coming to Thailand for surgery and for sales. Fluent English speaking and IT skills are totally essential as well as a friendly personality and a high level of empathy, customer service and motivation. Good salary available, please send your CV to info@lotusmedicalinternational.com

RECEPTIONIST & FLOOR SUPERVISOR Sanctuary is a cool,funky & unique beach resort on Koh Pha Ngan island.Great jobs for experienced receptionist & restaurant floor supervisor & cocktail bar person ( Thai National only) Contct Email: relax@thesanctuarythailand.com, Tel: 082 171 3614

Business Development Executive We are searching for Thai nationals to fill our position as Area Business Development Executive to manage our list of customers in Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak. Applicants should be fluent in English and have previous sales experience in Horeca. Must own a vehicle for business travel within the region. Email:hr@ pin naclegastro.com

The PARADISE

KOH YAO

Boutique Beach Resort & Spa

‘Island hideaway near Phuket’ Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Russian language newspaper 'Novosti Phuketa', Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, Phuket English TV 'Phuket News TV' and a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Qualifications: ● Thai or Expat. ● Excellent communication and negotiation skills in Thai and English. ● Highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude. ● Works well under pressure and has a will to succeed.

We offer: ● Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses. ● A friendly work environment. ● Social security paid by the company. ● Excellent career progress opportunities.

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume, in English, indicating qualifications, experience, recent photo and expected salary.

Apply online at thephuketnews.com/job.php

Class Act Media Co., Ltd. 99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553

@thephuketnews

the paradise koh yao, a contemporary 70 room boutique resort is located on koh yao noi island, a 60 minute boat trip from phuket our eco-chic environment is complemented by our ‘conscious living’ ethos of barefoot luxury philosophy – NOW complimented with the yoga and wellbeing center we are looking for superb leaders to join our dynamic team

Executive Sous Chef / Host Chef (1 position) chef personality with guest relation skills – interaction with guests, hosting chef table and assisting executive chef in menu innovations/promotions 3 - 5 years experience in equivalent property/position fluent in English language / command of German an advantage leader personality, creative with new product innovations Thai or Foreign National 25- 35 years of age

Executive Housekeeper (1 position) leading the HK team to cater to highest room/service standards expected by our discerned clientele - environmentally compatible operator, with concern to local community 3 - 5 years experience in equivalent property/position good command of English language leader personality, open to new product innovations (environmentally compatible) Thai National

comprehensive remuneration package – we are looking for the best team leaders – please send your resume with picture to

joeraess@theparadisekohyao.com www.TheParadisekohyao.com https://www.facebook.com/Paradise.KohYao.Boutique.Beach.Resort

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Buy&Sell BOATS & YACHTS

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Williams 325 Turbojet for Sale GREAT DEAL! Year 2010, excellent condition, 40 knots in 4 sec! Sunbrella covers. Price for the new is 991, 620 THB, Resale price is 550, 000 THB! CALL NOW!, Contact Irina, sales@fivestarseacruises.com, 0895588811

Yamaha Enduro Outboard 25hp 25hp Yamaha Enduro 2 stroke Outboard std shaft (not long). Like new, only used 10 hrs. Too big for my dinghy. 65000 or best offer, Art, 0949060887

Luxury Yacht for Sale For sale 2002 Bertram 510 Flybridge luxury yacht. Reduced to only USD675,000.

Contact Marcus on marcus@leema rine.net.

WILLIAMS 325 TURBOJET for Sale GREAT DEAL!Asking price is 320,000 THB vs 991,620 THB for the new!Price is negotiable.Year 2010,Excellent condition,40 knots in 4 sec!Sunbrella covers.CALL NOW!Mob: 089 55 888 11, 320,000.00, Irina , sales@fivestarseacruises.com, 089558881

Crownline 320 LS 5 0 k t s B o w r i d : Ve r y f a s t - n i c e s p o r t boat,2x350 MPI engines, year 2009, like new, lifetime hull warantty, only 100 working engine hours, Thai flag, tax payed. Only 3M THB, Airberth 0,5 M THB seperately. yacht@elas.si.

Class B AIS DEAL AIS DEAL by Electrical Marine Co, Ltd Has the Simrad Class B NAIS - 400 complete with GPS and VHF antenna’s that will interface with all marine system with NMEA 2000 & NMEA 0183. sales@electrical-marine.com, Price : 32,500 + VAT, Phone : +66076272177

13 Metre Wooden Hull Cruiser Cap. 17 PAX. Wooden hull, 3.5 metres W, draws 1.5 meters, diesel engine generates 123 KW. Perfect for fishing or day tours. Fitted w Fish Finder and GPS. Was B1,500,000 now only B5 0 0,0 0 0. Call 082 414 6931, email: phil@ krabikon nect.com.

TechWorX Marine.

Service and install of Smart phone or pad controlled Marine AV and IT, Media servers systems.

External antenna 3G/4G internet systems. Reliable onboard Wi-Fi. Phuket and Bangkok. Please email for info package. info@techworx.asia

Speed boat for Sale Steppa Fiberglass 36 feet ,Centre Console two 200 hp Yamaha outboard engines . Ideal for diving and tours.

B950,000 info@h2osportzphuket.com Call 081 8942124, B950,000, Klaus, klaus@h2osportzphuket.com

Bertram 505 Conver for sale Launched in 1989 this long range sport fishing vessel is powered by 2 Hino Marine 360hp V8 Turbo . The interior is fully air-conditioned and features a saloon, three cabins and a galley.

Price : 7,000,000 THB , Stefano, info@ thebigblues.com, 087 834 5293 .

SPEEDBOAT FOR SALE:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

40FT Steel Cutter Sloop Ready to cruise.Centrecockpit. Safe, strong German design.New Sails, 44HP Yanmar Engine, 6 Berths, solar, wind generator, BBQ, dinghy&outboard.

AUD$90K. 085 3780 498, yacht.an taia@gmail.com.

NEW SEALINES AVAILABLE: Orders are now open for the new range of Sealine Sports and Flybridge, both 380 and 450. For details of this exciting new range Contact: inq@sea-yss. com - www.sea-yss.com - 081 370 1995.

Yacht sale 36-ft Searay A very good condition with bedding for 5, air-con, generator, kitchenette, BBQ grill, twin propulsion, Mercruiser 5.0L bravo III DTS, raymarine chartplotter, GPS and depth sounder. B4.5 million.

Call 089 647 5204.

2009 POWER CATAMARAN 45f t. 4 cabins. Volvo D - 4 IPS 30 0.

Genset. Aircon. “Bose” surround. Raymarine. Low hours. Fully loaded. Fast and economical. As new. Bargain. Only 339,000 euros. Email: eddyelan@yahoo. com 089 971 0278, Eddie.

A steal for a quick sale 2007 Italian demo yacht Cranchi 47ft Hard Top. Fully loaded with Tropical air con, genset, Electrical winches, garage, roof, Raymarine Premium Navy, BBQ, Ice Maker, 3 Fridges, “Bose” Sound, 2007 Italian demo yacht Cranchi 47ft Hard Top. Fully loaded with Tropical air con, genset, Electrical winches, garage, roof, Raymarine Premium Navy, BBQ, Ice Maker, 3 Fridges, “Bose” Sound, Neon light, Twin 570HP with reliable shaft drive, under 300 hours, Brand New Condition. Euro 335,000. Tel: 089 971 0278, eddyelan@yahoo.com.

22m. Indonesian Pinisi Ketch

SEATBOAT 369 sale. Year 2009, engines 2x225 hp, capacity 22 passengers, great condition, ready to run, 2 stern exits, bathroom, shower, set of new options (coach, tent anto-staining), all documents. Priced at 1.9 MB, negotiable. Call Andrey 085 368 5908.

LIV Aboard For Sale Compressors and tanks also available. Please contact Joe : 087 891 8912 joe@ similan-diving-safaris.com.

Licensed and registered in Thailand.

She is in good condition and currently working as a snorkel and sunset tour boat. For sale or long-term rental. Price negotiable for quick sale. dragonheartthailand@gmail.com.

S I N G A P O R E | P H U K E T | B A N G K O K | P A T TA Y A | K O H S A M U I | P E N A N G | J A K A R TA

Charter: Rico Stapel rico@princessyachtsthailand.com call: +66 8 6690 0444 Го в о р и м п о - р у с с к и : А л ё н а В и х а р е в а alyona@princessyachtsthailand.com call: +66 898 74 9944 Sales: Alister Brunskill alister@princessyachtssea.com mobile: +66 8 0886 4945

I N F O @ P R I N C E S S YA C H T S S E A . C O M /PrincessYachtsSEA

@princess_s_e_a

/PrincessYachtsSEA

|

W W W. P R I N C E S S YA C H T S S E A . C O M

/+PrincessYachtsSEA

/princess-yachts-south-east-asia

/user/PrincessYachtsSEA

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CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Business for sale Business only or business and property. Est 2003. Repeat business from big data base, non-tourist related soft furnising manufacturing and retail business. Genuine enquires only, no tyre kickers.

For further info email samos1941@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Electric portable cookers (2) Electric portable cooker (x2). Never used still in their boxes. Smart auto temperature control, 3 cooking zones and auto switch off. Bought for 42000 THB each - selling for 22000. Can buy just one or both, Price : 22000 each , Person : Simon , Email : md@classactmedia.co.th , Phone : 0847680536

BOATS & YACHTS

CAR FOR RENT Speed Boat For Sale

PRICED TO SELL NISSAN UTE

Steppa Fiberglass 32 feet Flybridge two 200 hp Yamaha outboard engines.

Ideal for diving and tours.

B850,000.

Call 081 894 2124.

Nissan Navara Frontier LE 20 07 2.5.Auto with Carry boy.104,000km.

Good condition.Diesel.4WD.4door. beige leather interior.Green Book.

T H B 3 7 0 , 0 0 0 .C a l l 0 8 2 4 9 5 4 6 9 6 , 370,00.00THB.

NEW ZODIAC 420 YACHTLINE SPECIAL OFFER FROM MAX MARINE ASIA – A great sporty RIB, designed as a tender/people carrier for a larger vessel of approximately 70 feet. A smooth, fast ride guaranteed from the world’s most famous inflatable boat brand. -Hypalon tubes -Honda 50hp EFI 4 Stroke outboard -Boat cover FOR SALE AT 750,000 THB Contact Craig Murphy on 081-970-0583 Or, Paul Stamp on 08-40 60 70 20 www.maxmarine.asia.

BABY ITEMS Medela electric pump Medela electric breast pump. 1 month of use, mint condition, full box set. Original price THB6000, sell for THB3000 or nearest price.

Unique business opportunity, in the high end motorcycle industry, now available. Partner wanted to expand existing profitable business. Contact 081 691 9346.

Brand new Disco-night club in Patong for rent in the center of Bangla. Fully equipped disco 700sqm/500seats ready to start now.Best quality of interiors. Contact(English): info@phuketbesthomes.com Tel.081-892 8526

Pick-up truck Chevrolet Colorado LTZ 2013 4x4 for sale. In use since November 2013, perfect condition. Diesel 2,8L, Full 4x4, AT, climate control, leather interior, white body. One owner, 10000km, warranty, insurance. Price 25000 USD. Black Honda PCX-150 2013 for sale. Tuned-up bike with warranty and insurance. Price 2000 USD. Call Artem 0937285960, tema_lan@mail.ru

Mercedes GL 320 Mercedes GL 320 4 Matic, 2008, 100.000 km, very good condition, no blue book, THB 2,2 mIn. 090-1432020, frohlich@gmx.net

Nissan Teana Finance available. 11 months old. 2.5l.

Full Options. Contact: Bernard, Call: 086 945 2626.

CATERING EQUIPMENT GAS B.B.Q clearance sale

Toyota Fortuner Model 2012, Limited Edition. Full option, long term: 28,000 THB/month.

Call Tik 081 737 3729 (after 6pm only). 080 718 5096 (all day), tikwill@ gmail.com

The B.B.Q Center. GAS B.B.Q clearance sale cheapest in Thailand. All models only 19,000 Baht. Call Khun Thip: 076 366 860, 081 597 5568

CAR FOR SALE

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS New in Phuket BACKGAMMON 086 951 5511, tonivanLaak@hotmail.com

BMW X5 First to see will buy 850,000 THB LPG, New air suspen call 084 054 8122, Price : 850,000

FURNITURE FINAL INVENTORY SALE DON’T MISS FURNITURE ORIENTRUGS PAINTINGS PRINTS CDs ANTIQUES DININGSET4x8 IVORY STEREO LAMPS++ CALL HEINO 076289894 AT 19/2 RAWAI VILLAS SHOWTIME9AM>EVENINGS

Chevrolet Optra 1.6 Auto 120.000Kms/2006 one owner excellent condition, 1 class insurance, new tyres, full option, leather interior, airbag ABS Call:0819681416, Price : 250.000

1.8 Honda Civic - 2011 Disco-Night Club for Rent

Chevi Colorado + Honda PCX FOR SALE

CAR FOR RENT

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Business Partner Wanted

CAR FOR SALE

P u r c h a s e d n e w, o r i g i n a l owner. Extra bass sound system. No accidents. All original manuals, 60,000KM, English/ Thai GPS/DVD player. Leather interior, Regular service, Hondacivicphuket@gmail.com, 650,0000THB.

Four Poster bed 6’6X3’6 Four poster bed. Thai hardwood. Inc. mattress and mosquito net. 35,000 ONO, adrian@bdasia.com, 0870892084.

HOME APPLIANCES Juicer Philips juicer. large size. Hardly used, Price 2,000 ONO, adrian@bd-asia. com, 087 089 2084.

JEWELLERY /WATCHES Breitling Crosswind 18K Gold Breitling Crosswind Chronograph - 40 Diamonds - 43mm 18k Yellow Gold - Reference: K13355 nr: 1677.

Pre-Owned - Purchased October 2004 from authorized Breitling dealer. Call 090 901 3601 etc.

MOVING & STORAGE We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store.

Call 076 292 909.

COMPANY FOR SALE

Company for sale - Owner retiring Well known 12 year established company specializing in sales and rental of containers, site/sales offices, Porta Loos as well as Self Storage. Customer base includes Tesco Lotus, Laguna, Marriot, Boat Lagoon and many more. Enormous potential for expansion and export. A conservative value of company assets exceed 11MB which is included in the sale price of 14MB. Call Gordon 081 892 4804, www.safewayasia.com.

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BUY & SELL IN PHUKET PERSONAL SERVICES Lebanese Restaurant Like most Mediterranean countries, much of what the Lebanese eat is dictated by the seasons. In Lebanon, very rarely are drinks served without being accompanied by food. Soi Sansabai, Patong, Phuket 83150, Phone : Mr. Hassan - 080 086 3163 or Mr Nadu (Nader) - 083 214 8742

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com SERVICES

TRADE SERVICES

COMMUNITY

Need a professional SEO website customised for your business needs? A website that you can manage, control & update.

To make a difference with your website contact Blueswell.net. websolutions@ blueswell.net, 081 091 9282.

Total Web Solutions :

GENNEWA GOLD MEMBERS Attention Gennewa Gold members.

Please contact urgently. randyalltime@gmail.com

The English Lab Online Courses

TechWorX Residential.

Smar t home automation systems.

Smart phone or pad control, Multi-room audio-visual, Home Theater, Lighting control and Electrical systems for new and renovation projects. Please email for info package. info@techworx.asia

Have fun learning English over the Internet--with a qualified teacher! Courses are 10 weeks long, for 4 hours each week. Courses include Independent Studies with interactive exercises and games, and Live Webinars for up to 5 students and the teacher.

Only 699 baht/week! You can pay by the week! Children’s classes Start June 2; Adult classes Start June 16. In person registration on May 24 and 31, June 7 and 14, at 73/62 Chale Khiri, Kathu. Our Grand Opening is on May 31, from 9am to 5pm. For more information, in Thai or in English, contact Maria at 098 069 2901,Only 699 baht/week.

POOL TABLES Thailand # 1 Billiard & Games We are Thailand’s leading full service Billiard & Games Room Retailer. Visit our Online Store www.thailandpooltables.com or call 081 823 4627, Price : 3500, Fax : 076264461

SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE Treadmill & Elliptical Trainer Moving, must sell - Nordic Track X4000 Treadmill (70,000 thb) & Vision Fitness X1500 Delux Console Elliptical Trainer (45,000 thb), 088 760 9544, mdrannan@gmail.com

CALLING THE DOG LOVERS OF PHUKET Soi Dog are looking for dog lovers in Phuket to come and spend time with our 300+ street dogs in residence at our shelter in Mai Khao, North Phuket.

We need volunteers to help socialise and walk our dogs - as this is fundamental in preparing our lovely dogs for adoption in Phuket and around the world. Whether you can spare one day a week or can come every day, we would love to have you help our dogs. Volunteering at Soi Dog is an amazing experience and may well change your life. For more details, please email Diana at volunteering@soidog-foundation.org

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SPORT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

27

Ryder Cup should be every Fishermen’s priorities abound and plenty three years, says McDowell CAST GOLF

G

raeme McDowell said Tuesday (September 23) he would be in favour of playing the Ryder Cup every three years against the current two-year gap.

The Northern Irishman, who will play in his fourth consecutive Ryder Cup at Gleneagles this week, said that he felt the biennial formula currently in use was particularly tough on the US team.

That would partly explain, he believes, the slump in US fortunes in the last 20 years with the European team winning seven times out of nine.

“I think it’s difficult for a lot of the stalwart Americans who play year-in, year-out, Presidents Cup, Ryder Cups,” McDowell said.

“I’ve spoken to a few of them and they are of the belief

that this needs to be every three years so that they can play a Ryder Cup and a Presidents Cup and have a year off.

“I would be a supporter of that. I think for their level of engagement, they need that, because when you look at the Tigers (Woods) and Phils (Mickelson) and (Steve) Strickers and (Jim) Furyks who have played eight, nine, ten, 12 of these in a row, they do lose their shine.”

Surf’s Up Phuket!

FLOWBOARD THE 4TH ANNUAL FLOW (Flowboarding League of the World) Tour Asia 2014 championship came to Phuket last Saturday (September 20), and showcased some exciting flowboarding action.

Indeed, the Phuket judges’ task to make the final selection was no cake walk. The qualifiers brought the best of the best on the local scene to narrow the list down to only the cream of the crop (see box), who will go on to be sized up with the top flowboarders in the Asia Pacific region (Saipan, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand and Malaysia), to congregate on the world-famous Double FlowRider® to vye for championship titles and a place on the Asia FLOW (Flowboarding Leage Of the World) Team.

This team will consist of one male flowboarder, one female flowboarder and one

bodyboarder; together these champions will take on a bigger challegers as they will be flown to USA representing Asia on the international stage at the FLOW Championships (FlowRider) against the world’s elite.

Only the top 3 from the Pro Divisions will head to the Flow House Bangkok Pro Championship Finals October 4 to compete to represent Asia at the world FLOW Championships.

For more information about the Tour 2014, go to facebook. com/FLOWtour, and visit surfhousephuket.com

FLOW Asia 2014 remaining qualifiers Saipan Pro Seeding • September 26 • Pacific Islands Club (Saipan, Mariana Islands) Saipan Pro Qualifier • September 27 • Pacific Islands Club (Saipan, Mariana Islands) Wild Card Selection • October 3 • Flow House Bangkok (Bangkok) Pro Championship Finals • October 4 • Flow House Bangkok (Bangkok)

Flow Tour 2014 Phuket Qualifiers Results Junior Under 16 1st : Elan Leif Nicol (SHP) 2nd : Insara (SHP) 3rd : Phillip (HKT) Bodyboard Open Mix 1st : Zaw (SHP) 2nd : Elan Nicol (SHP) 3rd : Vlad (Russia) Women’s Open 1st : Komsuree (HKT) 2nd : Kati Remo (Finland) 3rd : Katarn (SHP) Men’s Open

@thephuketnews

1st : BM (SHP) 2nd : Zaw (SHP) 3rd : Elan Lief Nicol (SHP) Bodyboard Pro Mix 1st : Nazri (Pattaya) 2nd : BM (SHP) 3rd : Pite Chaichana (FHB) Women’s Pro 1st : Annissa Flynn (SHP) 2nd : Hnee Tan (HKT) 3rd : Amalina (WHS) Men’s Pro 1st : BM (SHP)

2nd : Chaiyasit Sermsai (SHP) 3rd : Chatchai Somporn (SHP) International Pro Mix 1st : Sham Jamal (WHS) 2nd : Siva Stone (FHB) 3rd : Chaiyasit Sermsai (SHP) Best Trick Winner Chayasit Sermsai (SHP) Trick : Back Foot Impossible

Gleneagles will be the 40th Ryder Cup clash between Europe and the United States dating back to 1927 and, barring the World War II period when the competition was suspended for 10 years, the gap between editions has always been two years.

The exception to that came after the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York just before the Ryder Cup

was due to be played at The Belfry outside Birmingham.

The competition was held over to the following year which meant that the Ryder Cup was contested in evennumbered years as opposed to odd-numbered years.

Asked what he thought about the Ryder Cup being staged every three years, US captain Tom Watson said he was not convinced.

“I am concerned about how much these players are playing before they reach The Ryder Cup. ... These players are playing seven out of eight tournaments or eight out of nine tournaments in a row.

They are tired. That’s too much golf, too much golf.

“That does concern me, and if they could rectify that by a change in the date or the way these tournaments are played prior to it, that would be great for The Ryder Cup. AFP

AWAY

Jim Stewart editor@classactmedia.co.th

H I ONC E AGA I N M Y Fellow Flounderers, Once again fickle weather fouled up fabulous fishing but on the few occasions we did get out, Tuna were in abundance all weighing in around 2 to 3k plus. We landed a few nice Dorado and had reports of GT’s around Tuna Rock and small Sails in Sailfish Alley.

Zow of the PGFC (Phuket Game Fishing Club) recently had a successful eye operation, well done Zow but I think I’ll stick to my glasses, as you now have no excuse when exaggerating the size of your latest monster. Meanwhile, during his recuperation, Big Colin Robertson took Zow’s boat out and landed a 8kg Spanish Mackerel, very big by local standards.

The RBFC (Rawai Beach Fishing Club) has advised me that their RBFC “Classic” is now 90 per cent booked with around 20 boats confirmed, but there are still a very few boats still available before they reach their competition limit.

So if any of you Fisheroos are free on the 18th /20th of March 2015 and want to join the fun, contact the RBFC via their web site, post haste.

The RBFC also had a committee meeting, mid-month, in which the amalgamation of the two main Phuket fishing clubs (RBFC/PGFC) was

the main issue on the agenda.

The unanimous decision of the board was in favor of the merger and now the proposal has to be put to the membership for ratification.

So with not a lot else happening, did you hear the one about the two old fishermen who met every Sunday for twenty years, fishing at the lake? One Sunday Joe doesn’t turn up and Fred was a bit worried, but next Sunday there was Joe, rod in hand. “What happened to you, last week”, asked Fred. “I got married”, replied Joe. With his nose a bit out of joint at not being invited or informed, Fred decided to give his friend the benefit of years of friendship, and said, “I bet she’s beautiful”. “Face that would bust a mirror”, replied Joe. “Oh, bet she’s a great cook”, responded Fred.

“Couldn’t boil an egg”, replied Joe. “Good in bed” only received one of these looks.

“Well then, why did you marry her”, Fred queried. “She’s got worms”, was the prompt reply.

Now that’s fishing for ya. Yes, a man’s got to have his priorities.

Tight lines Jimmy www.fishinginphuket.com

28 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Phuket Super Six League: Season 8, Round 5 DIVISION 1

Blue Horizon 3-1 Gang Junior

TT Boys 3-2 Irish Times

Gang Junior 2-3 Republic

The King FC 0-3 Pita Bar Phuketeers PK Condos & Homes 4-0 Shakers FC

DIVISION 2

Pheun See Club 1-1 Blue Horizon

FOOTBALL

Andaman FC 3-7 Shambala FC Coral Utd vs Graceland (postponed)

Pita Bar Phuketeers are pushing to challenge for the title in Division 1 after four successive victories.

SUPER SIX SOCCER Division 1

Team

P

W

D

L

F

GD Pts

6 7 8

Phuket Condos & Homes Pita Bar Phuketeers Daohang FC Shakers FC Irish Times The King FC TT Boys Two Chefs

4 5 4 5 3 4 5 4

4 4 3 3 1 1 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 2 2 3 4 4

17 21 24 12 9 3 10 5

12 12 13 -2 -1 -13 -13 -8

12 12 9 9 3 3 3 0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Blue Horizon Talon FC Phuket Condos & Homes B Pheun See Club Republic Gang Junior IFC Big One FC

5 4 5 5 4 5 5 5

3 3 3 3 3 1 0 0

2 1 1 1 0 0 1 0

0 0 1 1 1 4 4 5

12 14 11 13 12 10 10 6

9 7 5 3 2 -7 -7 -12

11 10 10 10 9 3 1 0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Thailand Weightloss Black Dragon FC TEFL Campus Phuket Serenity Villas Shambala FC Coral United Andaman FC Graceland

5 5 5 5 5 4 5 4

3 3 3 3 2 2 1 0

1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1

1 1 2 2 2 2 4 3

16 13 13 18 19 11 9 9

11 4 -1 -2 4 -1 -9 -6

10 10 9 9 7 6 3 1

1 2 3 4 5

Steven Layne editor3@classactmedia.co.th

E

ver restless during the month-long break to accommodate the Asian Games in South Korea, Phuket FC have been keeping their muscles warmed in anticipation for the league restart next week.

Last Saturday (September 20) the Ronins got a needed injection of confidence in a friendly match, downing amateurs Locomotive FC from Phuket Rajbhat University, 7-0.

Goals were scored by Jonata Wasura, Kendall Jagdeosingh, Anusak Laosengthai, Tales Dos Santos, Wasan Natasan, Adres Lopes and Eakartit Somjit.

PK Serenity Villas 1-7 Thailand Weightloss Black Dragon FC 2-3 TEFL Campus

PK Condos & Homes B 3-0 Big One FC

Phuket warm up for season final stretch

DIVISION 3

Division 2

Next up, Phuket FC host TPL side, Singhtarua FC in a friendly match on Saturday (September 27) at Surakul Stadium. Kick-off is 6.30pm, Admission B100 and B50 baht for children.

Also known in English as

Thai Port or The Port Lions, Singhtarua are currently in 10th place of the elite 20-team table, promoted up from League One last season. After the friendly, Phuket FC, in 13th place of the 18-team League One, will play their 30th of 34

scheduled league fixtures on October 4 away to 2nd-to-last Khon Kaen FC, with a home fixture against Siam Navy inked for October 12.

Class Act Media are proud media partners with Phuket FC.

Division 3

Lady Elephants in historic quarterfinal FOOTBALL AS T H IS PA PER H ITS stands, Thailand U-23 Women’s squad is playing in a historic Asian Games quarterfinal match against Southeast Asian rivals Vietnam in South Korea.

It’s the first time the Lady War Elephants have advanced this far in the tournament.

The prestige follows an impressive group stage showing in which Thailand scored 20 goals, making minced meat of India and the Maldives (both by 10-0 scorelines), while conceding five goals in their 5-0 defeat to hosts South Korea, who topped the group with 28 unanswered goals in three matches.

In the last two meetings with Vietnam, the Thai ladies

prevailed, winning the 2013 SEA Games gold medal in Myanmar in December, and besting the Viet gals on their home soil in May to win a berth for next year’s women’s FIFA World Cup in Canada.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Asian Games mens squad, having topped their group E with three straight victories, took on China in the men’s Round of 16 on Thursday.

You can catch the women’s quarterfinal match at 2pm on Thai TV channel 3, thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

SPORT 29

Run for a cause Phuket ‘mini-marathon’ supports local school, foundation

L What’s all that racket? Thanyapura congratulated

all junior winners and runners-up who participated in the Chang LTAT Junior National Championship held September 20-21. The event aimed to develop tennis skills for the youth in Thailand and the top eight ranked players of each age categories will be qualified for the Master Round held at the Lawn Tennis Association’s tennis center in December. (Tennis fans stay tuned... word around town is that Thanyapura is expecting some “VIP” tennis superstar guests in early October ... mega superstars.)

@thephuketnews

e Meridien Phuket Beach Resort with The Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa Phuket and The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, announced this week a joint initiative to organize another charity run in aid of Baan Bang Thong School and Life Home Foundation.

Running on its third year, and with a new name, Instarun 2014, the event will take place on Sunday October 12, starting 6am at Bang Wad Dam in Kathu District.

The race will be divided into10 categories, namely the Open category, followed by nine age-groups: namely 2529, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64 and over 65 years, open to both male and female participants.

Registration is priced at B250 for 10.5km and B200 for the 3.5km fun run. As part of the registration package, participants will receive a running T-shirt, bib and bottled water.

Interested participants can contact Le Meridien Phuket at 076-370100, The Westin at

Outgoing Phuket Governor, Maitri Inthusut (2nd left) showed his gratitute to organizers.

076-335-600 and The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection at 076-371-400.

Instarun 2014 is organized by a group of three hotels in Phuket, led by Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort with The Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa Phuket and The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort and Spa. The event expects to gather more than 400 running enthusiasts and philanthropists from the city of Phuket. Funds raised through the Charity Run in Phuket will go towards Baan Bang Thong School and Life

Home Foundation to support education programmes for the

local community’s school and underprivileged children.

30 SPORT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Northern grit awes Leicester, but Chelsea remain unfazed FOOTBALL Julian Guyer

The overall competition winner receives 2 round-trip business class tickets Phuket-Kuala Lumpur AND 2 round-trip business class tickets Krabi-Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia Airlines, overall value THB71,100.

The monthly competion winner for August will receive a THB3,000 voucher to spend at Angus O’ Tool’s Irish Pub and Restaurant.

PANTONE 295C

PANTONE 1797C

Cyan

100

Cyan 100

Magenta

57

Magenta 100

Black

40

Black

5

SEPTEMBER STANDINGS

E

motional Frank Lampard rescued a point for champions Manchester City against former club Chelsea on Sunday while Manchester United gave up a 3-1 lead to slump to a shock 5-3 defeat at Leicester.

Lampard’s equaliser ensured a 1-1 draw against the Premier League leaders who lost their perfect start to the league season but still moved three points clear of secondplaced Southampton.

It seemed Jose Mourinho’s side were set for a f ifth straight league win when Andre Schurrle put them ahead in the 71st minute, shortly after City had been reduced to 10 men by the sending off of defender Pablo Zabaleta.

But former Chelsea star Lampard, only playing for City after being loaned to them by New York City, the club he left for at the end of last season, drew the hosts level five minutes from time following a typically late run into the box.

“I arrived on one and bounced into the net and it was strange,” the midfielder, who spent 13 years with Chelsea, said.

“What was a win for me today? Maybe a draw and keeping the Premier League close and a reception from both sets of fans that I won’t forget.”

For Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, the fact Lampard had denied his side victory was immaterial.

“I feel that when a player leaves another club and plays for a direct opponent, he is not going there for a holiday,” Mourinho told reporters.

The drama at Eastlands was as nothing compared to

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Seahorse thailand express Toon Army flob Rotowash BIS, Phuket sam3838 danielgoodchild manu4ever agogohome

OVERALL STANDINGS 43 40 40 37 37 35 35 32 32 29

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English Premier League 2014 - 2015 Team

Chelsea’s striker Andre Schurrle celebrates scoring the opening goal in the EPL match versus Manchester City. Photo: AFP/PAUL ELLIS events earlier in the day at Leicester’s King Power Stadium. It seemed big-spenders United were on course for their first competitive away victory under Louis van Gaal after goals by Robin van Persie, Angel di Maria and Ander Herrera left them 3-1 up with just over 30 minutes remaining.

But a controversial penalty, converted by David Nugent, reduced the Foxes’ deficit to 3-2 after they had got on the scoresheet through Leonardo Ulloa.

Two minutes after Nugent’s penalty, Esteban Cambiasso drew Leicester level at 3-3 before Jamie Vardy made it 4-3 in the 79th minute.

Four minutes later, Ulloa made the game safe for promoted Leicester when, after United’s Tyler Blackett had been sent off for bringing down Vardy in the box, the striker scored from the penalty spot.

“How is it possible to give this game away?,” disbelieving United manager van Gaal told Sky Sports.

“Leicester has proven

already in four games that they have a strong character and that when they are 3-1 down, you can play all the game with more possession but you cannot do these kind of things.”

Delighted Leicester boss Nigel Pearson said: “To back up the Stoke win against one of the big forces inEnglish football is very satisfying.

“When you add to that coming from 3-1 down, it is a testament to the quality, belief and spirit amongst us.”

United, fresh from their 4-0 thrashing of QPR, like Leicester a newly-promoted side, 2-0 up inside 16 minutes.

Van Persie opened the scoring in the 13th minute when the Dutch striker headed in Radamel Falcao’s cross.

Di Maria then showed why United had paid a British record fee of £59.7 million (B3.2 billion) to Real Madrid with a sublime second goal, courtesy of a perfect chip over Kasper Schmeichel – son of United goalkeeping great Peter.

But just two minutes later Leicester pulled a goal back

through a near-post header from Argentina’s Ulloa headed following an excellent cross by Vardy.

Herrera made it 3-1 before Leicester were given a contentious lifeline in the 62nd minute.

Vardy barged Rafael outside the box but referee Mark Clattenburg let play continue only to point to the penalty spot when the Leicester man went down inside the area following a slight touch by the full-back.

Leicester were all square minutes later when Cambiasso became the third Argentinian to score in the match, with a low shot from inside the box before Ulloa’s penalty sealed a memorable win.

AFP PREVIOUS RESULTS: Sunday 21th September 2014 Leicester Tottenham Everton Man City

5 - 3 0 - 1 2 - 3 1 - 1

Man Utd West Brom Crystal Palace Chelsea

Saturday 20th September 2014 QPR Aston Villa Burnley Newcastle Swansea West Ham

2 - 2 0 - 3 0 - 0 2 - 2 0 - 1 3 - 1

Stoke Arsenal Sunderland Hull Southampton Liverpool

Hull

2 - 2

West Ham

Monday 15th September 2014

MP W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Chelsea

5

4

1

0

16

7

9

13

2

Southampton

5

3

1

1

9

3

6

10

3

Aston Villa

5

3

1

1

4

4

0

10

4

Arsenal

5

2

3

0

10

6

4

9

5

Swansea

5

3

0

2

8

6

2

9

6

Man City

5

2

2

1

8

5

3

8

7

Leicester

5

2

2

1

9

8

1

8

8

West Ham

5

2

1

2

9

8

1

7

9

Tottenham

5

2

1

2

7

6

1

7

10

Hull

5

1

3

1

7

7

0

6

11

Liverpool

5

2

0

3

7

8

-1

6

12

Man Utd

5

1

2

2

9

8

1

5

13

Stoke

5

1

2

2

4

5

-1

5

14

Everton

5

1

2

2

11 13

-2

5

15

Crystal Palace

5

1

2

2

8

10

-2

5

16

West Brom

5

1

2

2

3

7

-4

5

17

Sunderland

5

0

4

1

5

6

-1

4

18

QPR

5

1

1

3

3

11

-8

4

19

Burnley

5

0

3

2

1

4

-3

3

20

Newcastle

5

0

3

2

5

11

-6

3

FOOTBALL FIXTURES Saturday 27th September 2014

Aston Villa v Man City

17:30

Sunday 5th October 2014

Liverpool v Everton

12:45

Chelsea v Aston Villa

15:00

Man Utd v Everton

12:00

Crystal Palace v Leicester

15:00

Chelsea v Arsenal

14:05

Hull v Man City

15:00

Tottenham v Southampton

14:05

Man Utd v West Ham

15:00

West Ham v QPR

16:15

Southampton v QPR

15:00

Sunderland v Swansea

15:00

Man City v Tottenham

12:45

Arsenal v Tottenham

17:30

Arsenal v Hull

15:00

Burnley v West Ham

15:00

Crystal Palace v Chelsea

15:00

Everton v Aston Villa

15:00

Newcastle v Leicester

15:00

Southampton v Sunderland

15:00

Sunday 28th September 2014 West Brom v Burnley

16:00

Monday 29th September 2014 Stoke v Newcastle

20:00

Saturday 4th October 2014

Saturday 18th October 2014

Sunday 19th October 2014

Hull v Crystal Palace

15:00

Leicester v Burnley

15:00

QPR v Liverpool

13:30

Liverpool v West Brom

15:00

Stoke v Swansea

16:00

Sunderland v Stoke

15:00

Swansea v Newcastle

15:00

Monday 20th October 2014 West Brom v Man Utd

20:00

Listless Liverpool get hammered at Upton Park FOOTBALL Julian Guyer

LIVERPOOL SUFFERED a surprise 3-1 loss away to West Ham on Saturday (September 20) as fresh questions were raised about whether they have the defense required to win the Premier League.

Brendan Rodgers’s side

were 2-0 down inside seven minutes at Upton Park.

Poor defending by Liverpool – who’ve now lost three of their five league games – saw the visitors fail to deal with James Tomkins’s knock down and Winston Reid turned the ball in to put the Hammers 1-0 up in the second minute.

The London side doubled their lead five minutes later

when Senegal forward Diafra Sakho’s intended cross beat everyone, including Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Defensive errors cost Liverpool the title when they finished runners-up to Manchester City last term.

But they remain a potent attacking force and England winger Raheem Sterling pulled

a goal back with an unstoppable shot from inside the box in the 26th minute after Mario Balotelli’s initial effort was blocked.

However, substitute Morgan Amalfitano made the game safe for Sam Allardyce’s side two minutes from time when he latched on to former Liverpool winger Stewart Downing’s through-ball before finding the far corner.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

SPORT 31

ICC take T20 Cup with just four runs to spare CRICKET

David Thomas editor@classactmedia.co.th

A

fter a controversial win on run rate in the semi-finals, Island Cricket Club (ICC) proved their worth in the final of the Sunseeker T20 competition, beating old rivals Bondi Bar Bashers (BBB) with just four balls to spare.

On a gloriously sunny day at the Alan Cooke Ground the two team faced an epic battle.

ICC had been a dangerous team all season, with some explosive batting and tight accurate bowlers. BBB had weathered the competition with just one loss – to ICC – and were keen to avenge that humiliation.

ICC won the toss and invited BBB’s to have a bat. This would have suited Captain Seemant Raju whose team prefers to set the total. Back from a break was prolific batsman I Mushtaq who opened with Seemant Raju.

Both batsman looked to play positively from the start but Mushtaq was caught on 13 chasing a wide delivery and getting a thick edge to the keeper. This brought Paddy Morton to the crease. He continued the steady flow of runs until Raju was clean bowled on 18 by A Virdikar, while looking to hit over the top of

The T20 final between ICC and BBB was a festive occasion at the Alan Cooke Ground in Thalang. Photo: Michael Way

A big six from Viaganker turned the game for ICCWay

Jubilant ICC celebrate their win

the infield.

Dave Thomas was next in and, together with Morton, steadied the BBB’s innings by putting on a valuable 54run partnership. Both players looking to play positively to the drinks break against accurate ICC bowling.

After drinks, Thomas misjudged a single and was run out from a superb throw trying to regain his ground. He had scored 27.

Neil Quail was the next

Desmond took the total to 143 in BBB’s 20 overs. BBB were awarded 6 penalty runs at the interval for a slow over rate by ICC, taking their total to 149.

With a good total to chase, ICC came out to bat with an aggressive attitude.

S Ullah and J Mohammad were the openers but BBB got an early break with Mushtaq trapping Ullah LBW in the second over for just one run.

This brought A Chand to the crease and he and Moham-

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL START END

SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Rugby League

NRL - PF1

Rabbitohs v. Roosters Sydney Swans v. North Melbourne

Friday, September 26 816, 669

16:30

19:00

521

16:30

19:30

Aussie Rules

AFL – PF1

815, 666

13:30

19:30

Golf

Ryder Cup – Day 1

Gleneagles – Fourball

19:30

00:30

Golf

Ryder Cup – Day 1

Gleneagles – Foursomes

Saturday, September 27 816, 669

16:30

19:00

Rugby League

NRL - PF2

Panthers v. Bulldogs Sydney Swans v. Hawthorn

521

10:00

13:00

Aussie Rules

Grand Final

669

19:00

21:00

Rugby Union

Currie Cup

Sharks v. Kings

817, 669

21:50

00:00

Rugby Union

Rugby Championship

South Africa v. Australia

810

18:45

20:45

Soccer

EPL

Liverpool v. Everton

21:00

23:00

Soccer

EPL

Chelsea v. Aston Villa

23:30

01:30

Soccer

EPL

Arsenal v. Tottenham

811

21:00

23:00

Soccer

EPL

Sunderland v. Swansea

812

21:00

23:00

Soccer

EPL

Man United v. West Ham

816

21:00

23:00

Soccer

EPL

Hull v. Man City

815, 666

13:30

19:30

Golf

Ryder Cup – Day 2

Gleneagles – Fourball

521

16:30

19:30

Aussie Rules

AFL – PF 2

Hawthorn v. Port Adelaide

Sunday, September 28 669

18:00

19:55

Rugby Union

Rugby Championship

Argentina v. New Zealand (Replay)

669

19:55

22:00

Rugby Union

Aviva Premiership

Exeter v. Harlequins

666, 815

17:30

01:00

Golf

Ryder Cup – Day 3

Gleneagles – Singles

810

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

West Bromwich v. Burnley

@thephuketnews

batsman but was sent back to the dressing room with just one run soon afterwards, being caught and bowled off R Naik.

Morton, now on 34, followed Quail after being brilliantly caught on the boundary by P Borkar after a good innings.

Pir Sami (3) and Anthony Van Blerk (19 not out) continued to look for every available run until Sami was caught off Naik.

J Swart (9) and Richard

mad started to plunder the BBB bowling attack. To try to slow the run rate down, Paddy Morton’s spin was introduced.

This worked a treat when he had Chand (10) trapped LBW. But wickets were still hard to come by as the new batsman A Virdikar punished any loose deliveries. The breakthrough came when Sami pulled off a great catch on the fine leg boundary to send the big-hitting Mohammad on his way for a brilliant 44 runs.

Sami was again in the action with another fine catch to dismiss Virdikar on 17 runs.

At this stage it was anyone’s game. S.Kumar played attackingly for his 14 runs but a fantastic catch by Thai youngster Pao Suttiprapha again put BBB back in front.

D Vaiganker (11) was dismissed by Mushtaq as Seemant Raju took a very sharp catch fielding close in. Tension was high with the last over approaching.

However it was B Desai and A Saleam who were the two not-out batsman at the end, securing a famous and hard-fought victory for the ICC with just four balls to spare.

This concludes the Sunseeker T20 competition. Phuket cricket now has a few weeks’ break before the start of the 35-over league.

If anyone is interested in getting involved with cricket in Phuket, please email the Phuket Cricket Group Chairman at chairman@phuketcricketgroup.com , or visit www. phuketcricketgroup.com and www.acgphuket.com for more information.

Kids Junior cricket is also taking place at the ACG on Saturday mornings. If you would like your children, both girls and boys, to get involved then please contact chairman@ phuketcricketgroup.com.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

Run #1492: Saturday September 27 at 4pm Hares: Manneken P**s & JC Location: Chaofa West – PTT Directions: From Chalong Circle take Chaofa West Rd north towards Central Festival for approx 2.4 km. Turn left HHH on the soi beside the PTT station. Continue along the soi and follow the HHH signs up the hill to the laager site.

From Central Festival take Chaofa West road approx 6 km south towards Chalong. Turn right HHH just before the PTT station and follow as above.

Bus pick-up: Kamala: 2:30pm, Patong: 3pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor2@classactmedia.co.th

A BUDDY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Top flowboarders in Asia vye for world league berth in Phuket >page 27

GOOD FINAL Australia’s sport mad public are gearing up for the last Saturday in September

AUSSIE RULES Peter Bricknell editor@classactmedia.co.th

Y

es, the AFL Grand Final kicks off on Saturday after noon amongst the hype and sensationalism that always accompanies this great game.

The Sydney based Swans and Melbourne based Hawthorn Hawks will battle in what pundits are calling the game of the decade and perhaps the milenium.

Here is a classic with the number one defending team in the Swans up against one of the best attacking sides in the competition.

There is obvious great respect amongst the two camps but that goes out the door on Saturday with the highest award in the land being attributed to a grand winner But this result could be determined by some of the superstars of the Australian competition and no more so than Buddy Franklin the ex Hawks firebrand who this year defected to the Swans ….what sensational headlines that move made and his form through the finals campaign has been verging on super star status….23 goals from the last four matches Can he make it against his old sporting colleagues and can it drive him to an exhultant performance and one to be best afield and holding that great Cup at the conclusion of

The Sydney Swans hope to upset defending champs. play….he is undoubtedly the X Factor.

Franklin is on everyone’s lips but let’s not forget the super Swan’s and their other heroes..maybe best player of the past decade and beyond, Adam Goodes will be there and no one questions his ability even in the twilight of his career…another defector in Tippett who is showing real resolve in the star studded line up and of course McGlynne who unfortunately missed the 2012 grand final due to injury after a stella year…maybe a Grand Final medal will be on the cards this year..he certainly deserves this opportunity.

A team of superstars to mention a few: Ted Richards superb back line player and with a knack to combat the greatest forwards Lewis Jetta exhilarating

running speed and explosive line breaker Gary Rohan speedster… is he really faster that Bolt over 20 metres?

Jarrod McVeigh…one of the finest backmen Dan Hannerbery…fast exciting and a ball winner Nick Malceski…extraordinary performer in the back line Josh Kennedy..another Hawks defector but what a player Kieran Jack…superb and the Son of a Rugby League great Dane Rampe…glamour and skill combined But then we have the Hawks, the reigning premiers and a harder group of talented players cannot be found anywhere..they are ”the team” and the strongest of competitors, vigorous in their attack and

All eyes on ex-Hawk Lance Franklin. Photo: Pbowens sublime in their disposal of the football.

Possibly the finest of Captain’s in the game and Luke Hodge will lead by example… he knows no other way.

Combine that with an experienced side and a list that reeks of skill and you have potential beyond belief.

Josh Gibson….will he have the job to hold Franklin….you bet Brian Lake….tough as they come and a bit of meaness with it Sam Michell…ex Captain and proud to be a Hawk Brad Hill….silky skills with speed..he is the deadly weapon Langford…son of a great Hawk and making his mark Jack Gunston…dead eye in front of goal Luke Bruest…perhaps the best left footer in the game

Shaun Burgoyne…silky veteran and experienced campaigner And who can forget Jarryd Roughead the Hawks own superstar with versatility in any position and the goal kicker the Hawks will need to fire and let’s not forget he was the Norm Smith Medalist for best player afield in the 2013 Grand Final.

Roughead is a little behind Franklin in recent statistics but that means nothing come Saturday.

This great game will be fiercely contested and congested but look out for the speedsters in Jetta and Hill… they potentially can break a game open and then Franklin and Roughead will come into their own.

You cannot have a great combat like this without looking at some statistics: In past Grand Finals Sydney has won 5 of 15 with Hawthorn 11 of 17.

Sydney players have played a combined total of 24 Grand Final appearances and Hawthorn 47.

Alistair Clarkson as coach of Hawthorn has a 70.6% winning record in finals compared to John Longmire with 70%...you can’t get a sweeter comparison than that.

Last time the teams met Hawthorn won by 10 points after the Swans led by 23 Betting in the game shows Sydney as quite distinct favourites paying $1.70 on the Australian TAB compared

to the Hawks at $2.20 but anything could happen before game time.

Bangla bars will be alive with emotion come Saturday and crowds will be attracted regardless of whether you are a skilled commentator on the game or a new comer interested in what all the noise is about.

Australians think the world stops for the Australian Rules Grand Final and so it may come Saturday September 27……100,000 people packed into the MCG and millions watching or listening wherever they may be.

The start will be determined by the toss of a coin and in the minds of many the result could fall the same way.

So let the war begin and let us all pay homage to these superb athletes who put their bodies on the line, who play the game they love and entertain us to such a high degree for six months of the year.

I for one will be watching and enjoying every minute of what will be a wonderful exhibition of Australian Rules Football.

And then at the half time break we can relax and listen to another with silky skills with renowned entertainer Mr Tom Jones leading the way.

No doubt this will be the calm before the storm of the second half.

So up there cazaly in there and fight, fly like an angel and fight like the devil you’re out there to win thephuketnews